San Antonio Firefighters Union Raises Alarm Over City Manager’s Salary Amid Pay Increase Controversy

San Antonio Firefighters Union Raises Concerns Over City Manager Pay Practices

In San Antonio, a friendly yet informing debate is taking place as the city’s firefighter union claims that recent pay increases among city employees are linked to the desire for a salary bump for City Manager Erik Walsh. Union leaders assert that the salary regulations that came into effect in 2018 are being overshadowed by these increases to ensure Walsh’s paycheck remains competitive.

Understanding the Pay Structure

City Manager Walsh, who has a base salary of $374,400, is experiencing a unique circumstance due to the city’s charter regulations. According to these rules, the City Council can approve a salary for the city manager that is no more than ten times that of the city’s lowest-paid, full-time employee. Union President Joe Jones pointed out that, “We have noticed that civilian pay increases have been much better in the past four to five years than they have been historically speaking, and that is a fact.”

But here lies the twist. While the firefighter union is pleased to see city workers receiving a raise—in this case, a 3% increase—it’s not enough to impact Walsh’s salary because the city manager’s pay is tied directly to the entry-level wage, which hasn’t changed for those hired after a certain date. This entry wage stands at $18 an hour since the start of the fiscal year on October 1, 2023, leaving Walsh’s base salary unaffected despite recent pay changes for other staff.

Background on Proposition C

The pushback from the firefighters’ union comes as they rally against Proposition C, a city charter amendment on the ballot for November 5. If passed, this proposition would eliminate the restrictions on how much the city manager can earn and how long he can hold his position. This idea has raised eyebrows, especially since the firefighters’ union is convinced that the wage boundaries approved by 59% of voters in 2018 are effectively working in the best interests of city employees.

Mailers sent out by the union’s Vote Against Prop C Committee underscore this sentiment, suggesting that “The salary boundaries you voted for are working and have led to improved pay for all city employees.”

Comparisons with Previous Leadership

Walsh’s current stand at $374,400 is a significant milestone compared to the figure set for his predecessor, Sheryl Sculley, who had a base salary of $475,000. The union saw Sculley as excessively paid and powerful, which they felt hindered their ability to advocate for better conditions for firefighters and paramedics. Interestingly, Walsh’s current pay cap is a result of the city’s entry-level wage being set at just $15 an hour when he was appointed as city manager back in early 2019.

A Deeper Look Into Compensations

Walsh’s total earnings, which include allowances for a car, cell phone reimbursement, and other expenses, amounted to $417,653 for the fiscal year ended September 30. Despite these allowances, his base salary remains unchanged, showcasing the complexities of how city pay structures intertwine.

Expert Insights on Pay Adjustments

Renee Frieda, director of the city’s Human Resources Department, emphasized that “Each year, as part of the budget preparation process, the city reviews the jobs at the entry wage to consider turnover, vacancy and application rates.” This means that any necessary adjustments to entry wages are made based on market shifts to maintain the competitive landscape of city jobs.

In the years following the charter election in 2018, the entry wage did increase by 20%, whereas the increases in the four years prior amounted to 31%—a clear sign of the shifting landscape in city employment.

The Road Ahead

As San Antonians prepare for the upcoming vote on Proposition C, the union and the city grapple with the implications of potential changes in pay structures. With strong opinions on both sides, it is clear that discussions about compensation will remain in the spotlight. Citizens are encouraged to inform themselves and participate in the democratic process regarding these important city decisions.