So now we have North Huntingdon Township “officials” granting “department heads” a pay increase for 2020. Only one councilman voted no, Brian Blasko, the voice of reason. By my acute math skills (as I am not a product of the public screwel system, another black hole for spending abuse), a 6% increase for the Department of Parks and Recreation (a PC term for a glorified gardener ) yielding a pay raise of $4,232 equals a new base pay of $74,765. I say “base” pay, as that doesn’t include the increase to workers comp, unemployment insurance and, oh that big one, the pension fund. We have to make sure these employees can retire at age 45 at an 85% pension rate.
Someone has to be the adult in the room and put the brakes onto these ridiculous public sector employee demands, as I am sick of constant tax increases for little or no reward. Westmoreland County taxes are going up 2.4% next year as well.
Hey council, be the smart investor and give that money for township pay increases to those who really need them — the volunteer fire departments for equipment. And if you don’t think they are deserving of it, don’t call them when your Christmas tree lights get overexcited.
Greg Massung
North Huntingdon