122010 Council approves two percent salary increase for hospital employees
By Sharon Haught
December 12, 2010
289
This spring a new wage structure which includes a two percent pay increase will take effect for non-physician employees of Wooster Community Hospital.
During their December 6 meeting, the members of Wooster City Council considered and ultimately unanimously approved the new wage structure, which is scheduled to go into effect on April 10, 2011.
Every year we have the responsibility to review the Wooster Community Hospital Board of Governors recommendation as it relates to compensation, said Councilman Jon Ansel in introducing the ordinance.
This year, as every year, they have an independent third party review the compensation and the step increases for every salaried and hourly wage category within the hospital. The company that performs this service is an objective third party – Management Performance International, said Ansel.
According to Ansel the independent third party notes any deficiencies within the compensation ranges and makes a recommendation based on their expertise and knowledge.
For 2011 the independent wage consultant has indicated that a 2 percent increase in the wage compensation step increase package for all jobs and positions within the Wooster Community Hospital is warranted, said Ansel.
Ansel noted that based on this recommendation, the hospitals Board of Governors requested approval for the plan from city council.
Speaking in support of the plan Councilman Jon Ulbright noted the hospitals past history of fiscal leadership.
Something we all have observed is this hospital for at least 10 or 15 years has consistently been able to do major construction projects and make major purchases to keep the technology state of the art without going into debt, without borrowing a dime, said Ulbright.
To me that is just absolutely remarkable, said Ulbright adding I think the hospital - its leadership - needs a real pat on the back for their expert leadership.
Ansel noted that during a financial review of the hospitals 2011 budget request that occurred during a meeting of the City Council Finance Committee meeting held just prior to the full council meeting it was highlighted that the pricing for the patients at Wooster Community Hospital in their comparative review is in the lower quartile of competitive hospitals.
That speaks to the value, said Ansel adding the fiscal discipline of the board of governors continues to build cash reserves, maintain its market competitiveness and most importantly provides superior services for the patients and clients not only within Wooster but also within the greater Wayne County area and surrounding areas.
When you can have a great value and have the dedication and commitment that we have at the Wooster Hospital, still generate a profit and fund their own projects with cash (it) is a remarkable accomplishment, said Ansel.
When they come to us we can respect that they have done their homework and they are making the proper recommendations to continue the viability of Wooster Community Hospital, Ansel stated.
According to a report provided to members of council in support of the legislation the two percent increase in the wage structure will cost the organization $535,951, is included in the hospitals 2011 budget and is needed to assure competitive wages as compared to projected 2011 market averages.
According to Wooster Mayor Bob Breneman, the two percent wage increase plan does not apply to physicians at Wooster Community Hospital.
