Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving Amendment to Salary Schedule for Executive Employees.
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publichearing
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From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Jodie Griner, Human Resources and Risk Management Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 5236 AMENDING EXHIBITS A, B, AND C SALARY SCHEDULES FOR EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES,” and increase the top step of the Police Chief monthly salary to $22,745; and approve a budget adjustment in the amount of $25,440 for the remainder of the fiscal year.
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BACKGROUND
The Police Chief position directs the Police Department, which is the largest department in the City of Westminster. In the past eight years, the City of Westminster has seen six police chiefs, on permanent and acting or interim base.
Current Chief Darin Lenyi has been serving as Westminster’s police chief since November 2021. He has an extensive 35 years of policing experience and has served as a mentor in the public safety community, including a mentor to several of his colleagues. Chief Lenyi continues to bring his vision and expertise to the organization, bringing new ideas and improvements to operations and helping to increase employee morale.
Attracting and maintaining top candidates has been a priority for organizational stability and growth, and the Police Chief is one of those pivotal roles that must be filled by the best candidate to maintain a strong and effective Police Department. At this time, Chief Lenyi is the most tenured Orange County chief and is eligible for retirement at a higher net than his current salary. In order to maintain key positions and remain competitive, a salary adjustment is recommended at times, including the current request to adjust the police chief salary (Attachment 1, Exhibit A).
The option to recruit a new police chief through a reputable, professional recruiting firm can cost between $35k-40k, generally with a retainer of 50% upon commencement of recruitment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The financial impact to the current salary schedule would be an increase of $50,900 annually. This total reflects the increased salary request for the Police Chief classification and the City Manager’s salary. Per the City Manager contract, the salary for the City Manager needs to be 5% higher than the next highest paid position in the City, including any additional compensation. The increase to the City Manager salary would be $23,882 annually.
A budget adjustment is required in account #31000-40000 General Police Salaries for $12,408 for Chief Lenyi and a budget adjustment in account #11500-40000 City Manager Salaries for $13,032 for City Manager for the remainder of fiscal year 2023-24.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If approved, the proposed resolution will supersede Resolution No. 5236.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Amending Resolution No 5236 the Salary Schedules for the Executive Employees.
2. Exhibit A. Executive Employees Salary Schedule (January 27, 2024)
3. Exhibit B. Executive Employees Salary Schedule (June 13, 2024)
4. Exhibit C. Executive Employees Salary Schedule (July 12, 2025)
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager