May 14, 2008

Good Evening Mayor Foy, Council Members, Managers, Employees and Citizens:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Town of Chapel Hill Employee Forum that represents all Town employees.  My name is Kay McDaniel, Employee Forum Chair and employee at Public Works.  First I would like to explain the purpose of the Employee Forum. 

The Employee Forum is an advisory committee to the Town Manager consisting of supervisory and non-supervisory employees who are elected by their peers.  This group will:

• Identify ways to recognize individual worth and uniqueness of each employee
• Identify ways for the Town to value diversity
• Identify ways for all employees to provide input to the Town Administration and provide a venue for that communication
• Encourage a sense of community among all Town employees
• Assist in communication of issues and activities affecting employees

We would like to thank our Town Manager, Roger Stancil for supporting the Employee Forum. 

Over the last year or more, the Town has accomplished a number of successes which reflect the hard work and commitment of the Town employees.  Some of these include:

• Finance’s efforts to maintain the Town’s AAA credit rating
• IT’s work to help implement Wi-Fi hotspots in the downtown business district
• Parks and Rec’s oversight of the completed renovations at the Chapel Hill Community Center
• Public Works’ record-breaking leaf collection season (853 loads)
• The combined efforts of the Police and Fire departments to implement the Code Red public information system
• Human Resource Development efforts to provide wellness programs for the employees

These are just a few of the many examples of Town successes that hinge on the dedication of the Town employees.  In fact, several of these individuals are here in the audience this evening to echo these same sentiments with their presence.  At this time I would like to recognize all Town employees. “Please stand.”  We thank everyone for all their hard work.

No one in this room needs to be reminded of the difficulties surrounding rising fuel prices and other basic commodities; this is a new reality for all of us. 

One year ago this week the average price of a gallon of unleaded fuel was $3.06; today the cost is $3.78 and going up every day.  That is 72 cents more per gallon.  An average size 15 gallon tank will cost $56.70 to fill up today compared to $45.90 a year ago.

Quoting an article on April 29, 2008 by Carol Gifford of AAA Carolina:  NORTH CAROLINA DRIVING COSTS 63 CENTS A MILE IN 2008; COST WILL GO UP WITH INCREASE IN GAS PRICES

“Operating costs could rise, as gas prices are the most volatile component of a vehicle’s operating expenses.  Of the 63 cents a mile, 17 cents are calculated as operating costs and includes gas, maintenance and tires. 

With a current state average price of $3.595 a gallon, the average sedan driven 15,000 miles this year, and getting 31 miles to the gallon, would spend $1762 for gasoline.”

Based on the increase in family health coverage an employee will go from paying $82.41 per week to approximately $90.65 per week.  This will be an increase of approximately $8.24 per week.

But like most folks, Town employees are not insulated from today’s increasing economic pressures. 

In light of this reality, the Manager is proposing a 3% salary increase for cost of living adjustments and a 10 % increase to cover the rising cost of health insurance

We understand that these decisions are difficult and that next year could be even tougher, but we ask that you all commit to us, the way that we commit to this Town. 

With that in mind, we kindly ask that you fully fund the Manager’s request to maintain our compensation and health benefits in these trying and uncertain times.

Thank you for your time this evening.