Top 50 highest-paid workers in Washtenaw County government all have six-figure salaries
Fifty employees in Washtenaw County government have six-figure salaries, while another 100-plus are somewhere between $80,000 and $99,000, county records show.
In all, the county has 1,327 employees whose combined earning power totals $71.5 million, according to records obtained by AnnArbor.com through the Freedom of Information Act. That puts the average county employee's salary at a little less than $54,000.
- Click here to download the complete list.
A number of psychiatrists who deliver mental health services to county residents through the Washtenaw Community Health Organization made the list of top earners.
Most members of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners are making $15,500 per year. Commissioner Conan Smith, D-Ann Arbor, makes $18,500 as chairman, while other commissioners with leadership roles make as much as $16,500.
County officials are working right now to close a $20.9 million structural deficit in the general fund budget over the next two years.
The listed salaries do not reflect the fact that county employees are taking eight unpaid furlough days this year. That reduces the average employee's pay by $1,658.
From the list below, to figure out the amount to subtract to account for furlough days, take the employee's salary and divide by 1,950 (hours worked per year) to get the hourly rate, then multiply by 7.5 (hours worked per day), and then multiply by 8 (number of furlough days).
Top 50 wage earners
1. Timothy Florence, psychiatric services administrator — $205,947
2. Daniel Healy, psychiatric services administrator — $204,269
3. Daryl Tanski, staff psychiatrist — $190,691
4. Andrea Sidiropoulos, staff child psychiatrist — $175,021
5. Martha Hashimoto, staff child psychiatrist — $168,588
6. Verna McDaniel, county administrator — $155,000
7. Patrick Gibbons, staff psychiatrist — $148,237
8. Welton Washington, staff psychiatrist — $147,878
9. Michelle Shauger, staff psychiatrist — $145,840
10. Chandan Nayak, staff psychiatrist — $144,271
11. Belinda LeBlanc, staff psychiatrist — $144,271
12. Nancy Wheeler (Francis), Probate Court judge — $139,919
13. Darlene O'Brien, Probate Court judge — $139,919
14. Bill Reynolds, deputy county administrator — $138,000
15. Patrick Barrie, WCHO executive director — $132,581
16. Linda Brown, WCHO deputy administrator —$126,656
17. Raman Patel, equalization director — $126,099
18. Diane Heidt, human resources director — $126,098
19. Diana Torres-Burgos, medical director — $125,625
20. Christine Negendank, staff psychiatrist — $122,447
21. Brian Mackie, county prosecutor — $119,268
22. Jerry Clayton, county sheriff — $119,268
23. Richard Fleece, health officer — $116,758
24. Dan Dwyer, court administrator — $116,758
25. Bob Tetens, parks and recreation director — $116,758
26. Lloyd Powell, public defender — $116,758
27. Joseph Burke, chief assistant prosecutor — $116,758
28. Curtis Hedger, corporation counsel — $116,758
29. Steven Hiller, deputy chief assistant prosecutor — $116,758
30. Donna Sabourin, Community Support and Treatment Services director — $116,758
31. Andrea Mobilio, staff psychiatrist — $116,580
32. Kelly Belknap, finance director — $110,000
33. Patricia Cortes, WCHO program administrator — $108,498
34. Patricia Denig, planning services director — $108,240
35. Eric Kurtz, WCHO deputy administrator — $107,917
36. Steven Holda, WCHO deputy finance director — $105,729
37. Dennis Wojcik, deputy water resources commissioner — $104,686
38. Marci Scalera, WCHO regional operations director — $103,921
39. Lisa Greco, youth center director — $102,975
40. Jennifer Sullivan, judicial attorney — $101,528
41. Linda Edwards-Brown, juvenile center administrator — $101,528
42. Judah Garber, friend of the court — $101,528
43. Marc Breckenridge, emergency management director — $101,528
44. Janis Bobrin, water resources commissioner — $101,528
45. Larry Kestenbaum, county clerk — $101,528
46. Anthony VanDerworp, economic development and energy director — $101,528
47. Gregory Dill, sheriff's director of administrative operations — $101,174
48. Mark Ptaszek, undersheriff — $101,081
49. Mary Jo Callan, community development director — $100,600
50. Judith Gentz, nurse practitioner — $100,000
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Melissa
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.
Most people commenting have no idea how hard these people work. My mother is on that list and she works harder than anyone I know. She has worked for the county for over 30 years earned a bachelors and two master degrees. Beyond education she has made an impact on your community! Ann Arbor is ranked one of the safest cities in the United States, and people think that's possible without the people listed above. People need to read up on what these people do. I know many people on that list personally and you may not hear the stories of how they help find people like Kathrine Myers, an Ann Arbor native that killed her baby. The people on that list seek justice everyday and help you live in a peaceful community. They deserve every dime they make and deserve respect from the people they serve.
Robert Stone
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
While there is usually something fishy going on in any sort of government budgeting (it's more a matter of "how much" than "if") I have to agree that this article does a totally ineffective job of providing the public with the information necessary for the public to spot the inevitable "inefficiencies". We need something that speaks to cost-benefit, priority, and necessity of budget items (with funding source) in order to verify that low priority or unnecessary services are cut first and inefficient services are forced into becoming efficient. This article totally fails to make the necessary comparisons and instead does pretty much nothing but try to manipulate people through envy of those with higher incomes than them. And YES: Government employees do deserve lower salaries and benefits than the same private workers because of the JOB SECURITY COST OF RISK TRADEOFF. Talk to an economist. Higher risk (such as significantly lower job security in private industry) must be offset by a higher reward (such as higher salary) in order to make accepting additional risk worthwhile. So basically, paying government emoyees "the same" as private employees is actually paying them MORE than private emoyees because the govt employees are being paid in salary, benefits, and reduced risk whereas public employees in relative terms get only the salary and benefits. Perhaps there's an economist out there reading this who might be able to point us to a study quantifying the average dollar value of increased job security for public vs private.
CincoDeMayo
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 7:29 a.m.
From Kristin Judge: "1. The non-general fund budget and employees are paid for with Federal and State grants that we are the "pass-through" agency for. This includes all the above positions for WCHO, CSTS and Judge's salaries. We have approximately 650 non-general fund employees and that fund is about $100 million. 2. The general fund budget is the one we are looking to cut due to a reduction in revenue to the county. That fund is worth approximately $96 million and pays for approximately 650 additional employees. The average salary of a general-fund employee is probably less than the $54,000 quoted in this article, because many of the highest paid employees are non-general fund employees. " Okay - just checking that I am reading this correctly - The fund that "we are looking to cut" is the one that funds the employees who are earning "probably less than the $54,000 quoted". So, it is not the higher wage earners whose jobs are threatened, but the lower wage earners. I understand (I think) that this is because they are funded through revenue to the county and not from the state and federal grants. However, I find it interesting. On so many levels. One being that I am reading in the comments about how much good they do because they serve the poor, the homeless, the mentally ill. And I agree that that is an honorable thing and I have seen much good done in that arena. (And I have also seen circumstances that left much to be desired. And even some incidents that were downright wrong - and not easily fixed because of the difficulty that population has in advocating for itself. But, I digress...) What is really interesting to me, at this time, is that we continue to add to this population that these more highly paid workers are so honorable in serving. Thinking about this is making me crazy - and I might add, that I can not afford a psychiatrist -
aubreyroset
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
those are not exorbitant salaries, and we do offer an incredible resource in Washtenaw County of a free health care program for the poor and disenfranchised which I would not like to see go. But you have to wonder, if we invested money on the front more. In education and social services like family education, nutrition, family planning etc. we would need less psychiatric care in the adult population. maybe we would have lower prison rates, and less dual diagnosis, and a generally more successful population contributing to our tax base.
dlb
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
This article is inflammatory. Of course, judges and doctors make over $100,000! Look at the years of education and experience needed for those jobs. As many mentioned, this article does not provide this information in context. Compare the salaries to those in the private sector. Also, take a look at the history of mental health services in our state. 20-30 years ago many mental health services were provided at the state level - then the state pushed those costs off onto the counties. Our county mental health system is grossly understaffed with overwhelming caseloads. We need more services not less! Also, I think the attached list of all county employee salaries - and names - was irresponsible. Posting of salaries is one thing (actually it proves how underpaid many county employees are), but including names is poor journalism.
Jack Gladney
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Where is the rest of this "journalistic" piece?
lloydering
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 5:16 a.m.
If we cut the top 50 by 1/2 the lowest paid Judith Gentz will still make $50.000 still enough to live on i think. This is why the whole government we over pay never has enough to go around so they start cutting at the bottom. Half of the 50 on this list could be pink sliped altogether and i think the county would survive somehow. Public school bus drivers took the hit last year now the teachers get robbed this year and the school system as a whole gets reduced funding. The taxing of old folks pensions is the next formula for more cash to feed the cow. Nothing will touch Timothy Flofence's $205.947.00 what does he do for us anyway? Psychiatric Services Administrator Emmmmmm If 1/2 is not enough for them hey get a job in the privet sector and we will find somone happy with $100.000.00 plus benifits OK! If we pay our top public servents this kind of money times the thousands of 6 figure salaries through out the State of Michigan no wonder we'r broke and over taxed. Make all of these high dollar employee's post a daily log online each day to show us good little tax payers what and how they actualy earn there pay check or is that top secret. We keep pooring sand in the bag with gaping hole in the bottom
hyp0static
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.
<a href="http://www.jobs-salary.com/michigan-psychiatrist-salary.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.jobs-salary.com/michigan-psychiatrist-salary.htm</a> Ranges of "private sector" psychiatry salaries for available positions in Michigan.
Angela Barbash
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 4:54 a.m.
Wow, read all 90 of those comments... several interesting points. 1) Ryan, I agree, you should have done more research on this and at least pointed out which jobs were county paid versus state/fed paid. Thanks Commissioner Judge for posting some clarification. 2) I too would like to see a more detailed analysis of what our public servants are doing and whether there are more efficient means of doing it. If there's a cost-benefit analysis already out there, someone please post it. 3) "Democrats" and "Republicans" like to label each other as exclusively being against this or against that. In all reality, you are both right and both wrong at the same time. I think the most balanced view I saw on this board was from William pointing out that being a public servant means sacrificing for the good of the community, putting yourself in service to your neighbors. Back in the day everyone understood that, today not so much. A lot of people have said in their posts that these people have every right and should be paid as much as their private counterparts. I think not so much -- if Sheriff's Deputies are willing to put their lives on the line for $48k, then someone who chooses to get a PhD and wants to enter the community service sector should expect to take longer to pay off that school debt as a sacrifice. 4) Lastly, I am appalled that some of these people make leaps and bounds more than others who I know personally are far more dedicated, far more intelligent and caring, far more motivated to use creativity and innovation to achieve better results. It's not that I think these awesome people should be paid more (per #3) -- it's that these other people are making WAY more than they should just on the basis of merit alone. If I were one of those awesome people, I'd be pissed... just saying...
Lydia
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
As I made my way to the bottom of this article, I was disappointed that there was no "next page button". I want to believe that Mr. Stanton had the best intentions when writing this, but all I saw were inflated public employee salaries with no explanation. Leave it to Commissioner Judge to lay it all out so people understand. After I read Judge's post, I realized this article was meant to exploit people who have nothing to do with the county's general fund. To allude to cutting these top 50 salaries while not having knowledge of the intricacies of county budget, is poor reporting and for that matter research. I am too believe Mr. Stanton has ulterior motives, going after one man in the fall for per diems when it was democrats and republicans alike that had the same issues. Mr. Stanton didn't do his research for this article and he didn't do his research back then, he let a lawyer do it for him. I know that the antics of last fall demanding the payback of funds is not going to balance the county's general fund. And guess what, neither are the 50 people that were mentioned above. The old Ann Arbor News is better than this. You want to report on something, do some research and suggest how the budget can be balanced. And while you're at it, I can think of about 51 people that deserve an apology.
citizen-of-earth
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
I cannot speak for all of the people listed here but from the ones that I know they are hard working and very educated individuals that are well deserving of the wages listed here. I applaud them for their service and I find it inappropriate that they are being targeted. Please list the level of education and years of work experience along side the wage and they might not seem so high. If someone with 6+ years of college and 10-20 years of is not making 100,000 or up then why get educated? Or why not work in the private sector where they could undoubtedly earn more? I think that the focus should be on the good job these employees are doing , and the responsibility they carry in the community, not on how much they are being payed.
Townie
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
How about an article about the salaries of the top AA.com staff? Ha, kinda doubt we'll see that one!
eagleman
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 5:05 a.m.
I doubt they make much. AnnArbor.com is website dedicated to a small city. That generally means the reporters make less then $40,000 a year. The younger reporters probably make around $25, 000. Journalists at sites like AnnArbor.com generally do not make a lot of money.
Trouble
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
" yada, yada, yada ". Ain't nobody gonna do nothing about it. Just keep kickin in !
say it plain
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.
@julieswhimsy brought up an IMPORTANT POINT about all those psychiatrist salaries...and one that Ryan should follow up on with this report. The salaries listed would be reasonable for psychiatric services THAT INCLUDED PRIMARY SERVICE FOR PATIENTS, but it is likely that these salaries are MERELY FOR SUPERVISING U-M RESIDENTS who actually provide the care. And those care-provision services from the residents would be part of their medical school education. And that care is not typically very, um, top-notch, shall we say, compared to seasoned professionals. And in any case, I'd guess most people would be surprised to learn what it entails (observation and medication recommendations, mostly). If these figures are being earned for significant amounts of direct care, I'd find them reasonable. If not, it's another example of how the medical pros get sweet deals left and right!
say it plain
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.
Oh, it looks like on-the-record verification that all those psychiatrists are paid for direct patient-care, great! Do you know if those are full-time salaries also?! If so, that's very reasonable pay for their time...
hyp0static
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 2:19 p.m.
"it is likely that these salaries are MERELY FOR SUPERVISING U-M RESIDENTS " If you don't know if it is true, then you should not speculate it as being likely. For the record, it is not true.
AA
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
I think all these hard workers deserve every penny they can squeeze out of the taxpaper.
YaaAfia
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
FYI: 1) The psychiatrists that work for the county are NOT paid from Washtenaw County tax dollars. They are paid from the Federal Gov't. 2) Psychiatrists have M.D.s! They should be making more 6 figures and in fact 200k is not all that much money considering how much medical school costs! 3) The department heads and directors to make barely over $100K. One of the named people in this list oversees a staff of 1300 people, is $150k too much for that task? I don't think so. 4) Conservatives are mad a the gov't workers and the liberals are mad at the corporations and in reality we need both.
eagleman
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 5:02 a.m.
This is the most well-reasoned post on here. Thank you for that.
2020
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
"working on the tax payer's dime" Interesting line: As far as I'm concerned, every citizen pays for every working person's salary one way or another. If I purchase a new Ford car, I'm helping pay for William Clay Ford Jr's salary, and all Ford employees down the ladder. If I buy groceries, I'm supporting the Farmer's and all employee's that work at the grocery store. If I buy gasoline, I'm supporting Big Oil companies, refinery worker's, truck driver's, gas station employee's. The list goes on and on... So stop saying, those darn public employee's, who work for us! Because you actually work for them too! Two way street, lets not forget that.
eagleman
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
Considering that they are paying your salaries out of their taxes that pretty much makes it a wash. We need public services, but our public sector DOES need reform--badly. I say this as a member of AFSCME.
Laurie Burg
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:03 p.m.
thanks for that post 2020. don't forget too that all those (so-called, by quite a few on this board) damn lazy overpaid public employees are also taxpayers and consumers. you cut my wage, i'm paying LESS in taxes to the state that needs money.... you cut my wage, i'm spending LESS at the businesses you entrepreneurs are so proud of yourselves for starting.
Mr. Ed
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
The story was written to create hits to Annarbor.com. The more hits the more money. This story is not news.
Townie
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
Yes, you are absolutely correct. This is just another poorly researched, hit job by AA.com. I asked if we'll see an article on the top salaries at AA.com. Nope.
William
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.
I have to agree I am surprised at the number of psychiatrists on this list but I have greater concerns. I the past government jobs meant stability and good benefits. When did working on the "tax payers dime" become so profitable. You can't have your cake and eat it too when you work for and are paid by the citizens. You can't get paid the industry average or greater and work for the public. Individuals working in the public sector get far more stability than the private sector, and I'm sorry, but aren't you there because you want to do your part to make communities better. This was your choice to work for the tax payer, it doesn't mean that we don't value your service, but everybody knows it comes down to money and the money isn't bad here. Another piece to this puzzle is the benfits that aren't mentioned. Don't just blame the high salaries. State and County employees enjoy a benefit package that far exceeds what you and I have. Where a private industry average is about 17% of your wage, County employees have a benefit package of greater than 50%. This is unbelievable and unacceptable. Using the numbers stated of $71.5 million means that most employees in County enjoy another $35.8 million in benefits - health care packages, 401k contributions, pensions, and more. Furthermore, ELECTED officials enjoy many of those benfits as well. When you take the average that Ryan presented of $54,000 and add in the benefits, the average County employee costs the tax payer $81,000. I have used many County services, some great, good, and bad. For $81,000 I should be blown away at every individuals level of commitment to provide the best possible services and look for ways to save the tax payers money, instead it has been ignored. In SOME cases I have gotten better service from minimum wage workers at McDonald's (been there). I say shame on all of you. Elected officials that have been there for years and let this happen. Administrators, Dept. Heads and Unions. What a great S
2020
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Ryan, Read Commissioner Kristen Judge's comments. Please do a better job next time, and present the true facts. Your article is very misleading.
javajolt1
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.
What are the county benefit and pension numbers for these people? That's a LOT of psychiatrists!! What is their specific role on the county payroll? Are they charges with determining whether indicted citizens are competent to stand trial? EIGHT psychiatrists. Seems like a lot. Just curious.
kmgeb2000
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:13 p.m.
By what standard is it "a LOT"? Comparative case load or hours worked? So we closed most of the state mental hospitals (sanitariums) under Engler (as i recall) and pushed them out on the streets. Now, ten or eleven do the work of entire mental hospitals. But that is too many for some. I suspect the their private practice counterparts salaries would dwarf these doctors combined salaries and benefits.
dading dont delete me bro
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
are they hiring? i need a top 50 county job. those psychiatrists sure earn a lot for a 15 minute visit of listening. don't delete this, i know this for a fact.
DBlaine
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Sure, first get a bachelor's degree. Then go to grad school for four years to get your medical degree. Then do a four year residency in psychiatry. Now pass your board certification to practice. Now find your first psychiatry job out of school. Still with me? Keep at it until you develop managerial responsibilities and want to work in administration. We'll see you in about 20 years.
Top Cat
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.
Sure gets you fired up about going out and voting for another millage.
David Cahill
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
The psychiatrists treat a large number of mentally ill adults and children, most on an outpatient basis. They make sure that their patients get their prescribed (and often court-ordered) medications. Without these services, the homeless/jailed population would be much larger than it is already.
Dog Guy
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
He's got 'em on the list - he's got 'em on the list; And they'll none of 'em be missed - they'll none of 'em be missed. Where is Ko-Ko when we need him?
lumberg48108
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
Several posters have asked "what is the point of this (and similar) articles in .com ...?" I think the answer is simple - its a salacious headline and they know we will read the story and make comments ... it is all about the "clicks" at annarbor.com -- not the context!
northside
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
lumberg I think a new phrase may be in the making: click journalism. The definition could be articles posted by online news sites (or alleged news sites, shall we say) that contain little actual reporting, but relate to a controversial topic that gets people to keep clicking.
DBlaine
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
This list is interesting, but it's like buying only a small popcorn at the movies. Tastes good. Not satisfying. Needs more work and reporting IMHO to be useful.
DBlaine
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
Oh nevermind. I just read Kristin Judge's comments. Thank you Kristin for providing some context and information on how the county works. This is certainly a very interesting age we live in for media and information.
clownfish
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
General question: Should we pay government workers less and then expect them to perform to a higher standard? Is that how private businesses work?
CincoDeMayo
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 6:59 a.m.
That is exactly what is going on right now.
onemoremouth
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.
yes
DonBee
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
Clownfish - In the last 5 years, absolutely. From personnal experience and even our family's Easter discussion, that is unfortunately what is happening in many workplaces.
clownfish
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
The funny thing is that so many of those calling for these people to take pay cuts are the SAME people that will not, under ANY circumstance raise taxes on these people or people making similar amounts. Many of these people called for those who were "jealous" of Borders bankruptcy staff making $800/hr to go out an "get a degree" to improve their lot in life. The people listed on this page did just that! They went out and educated themselves, now they should take a pay cut? Make up your minds people!
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Ryan; Thank you for the data. Please, please, please get similar data for AAPS admistrators. I think THAT would be the real shocker. Thanks.
Tom Wieder
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
I agree with some others who ask "what is the point of this article" and "where is the context?" So, 3.7% of County employees have six-figure salaries. What does this tell us? Nothing. How does this compare with other public and private institutions? How do the County salaries compare to those for comparable jobs in other institutions? Answers to those questions might tell us something useful. This is just the latest in a recent series of annarbor.com stories that seem designed to generate anger at public employees and create scapegoats for the fiscal problems governments are experiencing. Enough, already!
xmo
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
"our obligation to the federal and state governments to provide mandated services to the residents in the community. " Quote from Kristin Judge of Washtenaw County tells it all! That's why there is a TEA PARTY! Think next time you vote, do you want more of this or not?
DonBee
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
I think what xmo is reacting to is the way the statement is phrased. I think that the way the quote is phrased it seems to me to be "we have no control of this, so we just don't worry about how it is spent. It is not our problem." I don't think this is what Ms. Judge meant. But I do think that xmo and others could get that take away.
DBlaine
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
Think about what? Think about how local government provides services mandated by the state and federal governments? Well, duh! Next complaint!
clownfish
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Which psychiatric services would you cut?
Kristin Judge
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
Thank you Ryan for this article. As part of the Transparency Team, Commissioner Prater and I have been working to bring this information to the public on the ewashtenaw.org Open Book page. Unfortunately, county salaries are not that simple of a concept so we have been working on how to present the information in a way that shows an accurate picture of spending. The county has two budgets and two sets of employees. 1. The non-general fund budget and employees are paid for with Federal and State grants that we are the "pass-through" agency for. This includes all the above positions for WCHO, CSTS and Judge's salaries. We have approximately 650 non-general fund employees and that fund is about $100 million. 2. The general fund budget is the one we are looking to cut due to a reduction in revenue to the county. That fund is worth approximately $96 million and pays for approximately 650 additional employees. The average salary of a general-fund employee is probably less than the $54,000 quoted in this article, because many of the highest paid employees are non-general fund employees. Without doing the research on this article fully, Ryan, you are misleading the public. We are not able to cut the many 6-figure jobs listed above to change our deficit. We are following our obligation to the federal and state governments to provide mandated services to the residents in the community. If anyone has any questions about our budget, employee salaries or other county issues, please feel free to contact me at judgek@ewashtenaw.org or 734-646-2088.
Angela Barbash
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 4:32 a.m.
Also, can we have a a new excel spreadsheet posted with who is state/fed and who is county? and Kristin you said that the county does not have the ability to change the pay of the state/fed but are simply mandated to provide the services, does the state/fed dictate what the pay level is? who determines that and how? Thanks --
DonBee
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
Kristin - Thank you for weighing in. Now the hard question - Do we know that we are maximizing those state and federal dollars in delivering these services? Has anyone scrubbed the cost of delivering these services internally vs externally? Even if these are not locally raise dollars, should we not be good stewards and make sure we are getting the most for the funds. I see nothing in this article or on the county website that tells me that any such evaluation has been done. If this is the most cost effective way to do this bravo. If it is not, how do we get more for the dollars we get?
javajolt1
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.
Wow...if true, the article was VERY poorly researched and misleading. The failure to make the distinction between those compensated on a Federal/State grant and those truly being compensated from the county budget simply presents an incomplete and distorted picture. It seems this information would have been pretty easy to obtain prior to completing this article.
braggslaw
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
But all the salaries are ultimately paid by the taxpayers?
2020
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Kristen thanks for presenting the TRUE FACTS! To many reporter's like to skew the facts, maybe because it make for better reading. Or maybe Ryan learned this from our new Governor.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
Why does psychiatric services need two administrators? Has the work expanded to fill the time available?
John McHugh
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
We need to start at the top of the latter. These people who make 6 figures can afford to take a pay cut. I would say that's where we need to start cutting corners. Why put the burden on the whole city. If they take the cut then we don't have to hold back on snow removal, and such. They will have to just wait longer to become millionaires. They take the cut or get replaced. Simple things to do for longevity of the city and its workers.
dmkellman
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
What do I have to do to become a "friend of the court?" What kind of job title is that?
SonnyDog09
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
the "sworn enemy of the court" position is funded through another bucket and so it is not included on this list :-)
Tom Wieder
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
I'm not sure how these offices in Michigan got their name, but the Friend of the Court office performs very important functions. It handles a variety of matters related to children of divorce - custody, parenting time and child support. It exists to insure that the court's orders in these areas are followed so that children are protected.
Lets Get Real
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.
So Northside - if these salaries are comparable to the private sector - let them go get jobs in the private sector. As health care coverages change in this country - for better or worse - my sense is the emphasis on high paid jobs in this particlar sector will see significant decline as this country comes to grips with what dollars will pay for what products and services from a family's budget. Why in the world do we need this many high paid psychiatrists? Who are we treating? and what are the loads? How does this staffing level compare to other counties of similar size and demographic? I would ask the same about WCHO, many of whom's staff is at the high end of the pay scale. Or, for that matter, any of those at the high end of a pay scale that have come to believe they are entitled to their salaries, benefits, time off, light schedules, support staff, long lunches, etc. So many of these "professionals" need to get real about their importance. Believing they are indispensible doesn't make it so. We too are to blame. We've let them convince us they are over worked and under paid and continued to 'feed the beast' with more and more entitlements. Giving up those valued assets is difficult. Those who advocate for wealth sharing now need to participate and share their wealth. Many have need now, and these luxurious benefits are not sustainable. As budgets get tested, we'll see just who is deemed the most vital by the taxpaiyers and voters. With so many unemployed and underemployed highly talented people, the safety and security of cushy jobs should be challenged. Those who have learned to "work the system" can be replaced. There is a talent pool out there who would love the opportunity to serve - and my sense is - at considerably lower salaries. Time to shrink the shrinks! and other overpriced individuals who believe their positions are far more important than they really are.
pbehjatnia
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
envy is not an enviable quality.
discgolfgeek
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
10 out of the top 11 are psychiatrists -- I'm at a loss for words, at least words that will survive the comment board police
dmkellman
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
And how does this make you feel?
Brenda Kerr
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
I think that the people making comments and the staff at annarbor.com need to learn a bit more about what the County does. Go to ewashtenaw.com and study the 30 or so departments. Then you will know why the County has several psychiatrists and a medical director. Read the budget so you can see how many employees each of these people directs and what type of work they do on a daily basis. Don't be a Donald Trump - the information is out there for you to read.
DonBee
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
Brenda - Qualitative information is out there. Quantitiative information, e.g. a cost benefit study of the way the programs are run is not.
towny
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:20 p.m.
You just found where to go for your budget deficit. Ridiculous in these times. The chicken coop door is open.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
I have no problem compensating folks for results. As a tax payer my concern is the "results" part is all too often difficult to measure. And all too often "we the people" continue to pay for a lack of results. Thats what frustrates me. I assume the WCHO, who seems to have somewhere around 20-21 of the top 50 does some good things. But I also see they had a 2008 budget north of 117 million dollars. I hope the "waste factor" in that budget is minimal.
snoopdog
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
Why on earth does Washtenaw County employ 10 people in the field of psychology with two of them making over 200k per year " Ridiculous. Now may I ask how many employees of AAPS make over 100K per year W/O benefits ? Good Day
onemoremouth
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
there is a difference between psychology and psychiatry. might want to check the wikipedia.
zeke56
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:28 p.m.
<a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/88-employees-top-100000-salary-mark-at-ann-arbor-public-schools/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/88-employees-top-100000-salary-mark-at-ann-arbor-public-schools/</a>
pseudo
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.
It does seem impressive with the way the list is presented. And yet, I happen to know about the work all those highly paid psychiatrists do and I have a pretty good idea of what their counterparts at U of M make by comparison. We have a significant investment in services for our poor, mentally ill, homeless and addicted. This is something I am proud of and will vote to continue. I am less impressed with county structural employees salaries. Can cuts be made across the board, of course. But let us work with better data. Ann Arbor.com does this city a disservice by not providing comparative data (eg. U of M salaries in similar spots, private incomes in similar positions) like most of what I read here - its incomplete and unfairly presented. That combined with the comment censorship, makes me wonder what the purpose here is. Maybe A2.com should take a hard look at what they really provide to our community.
pbehjatnia
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
thank you.
zeke56
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.
I think lorie is asking for info by job classification and some idea of the number and type of patients they see for the psychiatrists. Dr. Florence, as an example, works with the very poorest and most mentally ill people in the county. He works nearly non-stop and does not get to pick and choose his clients as he might be able to in private practice. So just looking someone up by name doesn't really answer her question.
Ellen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.
<a href="http://www.umsalary.info/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.umsalary.info/</a>
tigger1
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
I will only feel sorry when they have 52 furlough days just like me for the past 3 years!
Soothslayer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:43 a.m.
In rough calculations just for these top 50 asking for a 10% wage cut = about $600k. How many county worker service jobs would that save? 10? Seems like a fair trade to me and better for the community overall (less foreclosures, better services). Better to have more employed than keep status quo at this level for these top county wage earners, especially in this economy.
trespass
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
What about retirement benefits? It seems like so many government employees retire in their 50's and then can go get another job while collecting their pensions. Is that true for these employees? It seems to me that no one should be able to collect a pension until they reach retirement age and they stop working.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
"It seems to me that no one should be able to collect a pension until they reach retirement age and they stop working." I agree.
Ellen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:32 a.m.
wow! I went to school with that top-paid one. I knew he'd be successful.
CincoDeMayo
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 6:49 a.m.
From curriculum at Scarlett Middle School the definition of success is doing well financially. I had to (once again) correct what was being taught to my children.
onemoremouth
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.
the work he does is impressive. taking on hard to treat homeless, mentally ill individuals to help them find some stability in their lives. i don't think the large paycheck is where he finds his success from what i know of him.
pvitaly
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:38 p.m.
If success to that person means a large paycheck, than it is success.
Mr. Ed
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
Success does not equal a large paycheck.
Elizabeth Nelson
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:28 a.m.
I'm not sure what the point of this is, particularly the tone of how it's presented... but over time, we might need to stop jumping up and down in shock over the phrase "six figure salary." I'm not surprised that educated professionals are earning that much, even from government jobs. That segment of wage earners is not an extreme anymore. People choose to be shocked by this (i.e. it's taxpayer money!!) and turn a blind eye to the true extremes of poverty/wealth in this country. I guarantee that most of the folks who would react to this article are not terribly interested in re-purposing any of those salaries to provide more safety-nets for the poor. We resent the guy who can buy a big house and a nice car, but we figure it's just laziness that makes folks on the other end need help. To whom are these staff psychiatrists providing needed services? I can think of a few target groups (e.g. inmates in prison comes to mind), all people who need those services desperately... and yet we choose to be shocked. Articles like this with zero context are just nonsense.
pbehjatnia
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
thank you. six figures are not a "big deal" today. if anyone is surprised by the no. of psychiatrists in the roll, then maybe they should look at the breadth of social services washtenaw county offers. these figures are on par with average salaries and are therefore less than reality salaries in the private sector. maybe justified with less working hours and better benefits, but these dollars are well earned. people need to stop being jealous of the big and house and stop blaming anyone with less than average. just being in the middle is not free pass to blame anyone on the other sides for what you do or dont have.
alan
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3 p.m.
Thank you, I couldn't think of how to phrase it.
Soothslayer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:23 a.m.
Share in the budget woes with your troops! Guaranteed these folks are feelin' no pain at the pump. Asking workers to take any pay hit, or layoff, represent a much larger income portion, and hardship, than those making 3, 4 even 5X. These folks have golden parachutes, fat 401k's and full benefits. LEAD BY EXAMPLE from the TOP DOWN
Will
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
Even the top Washtenaw County Administrators, judges, presecutors, medical directors, etc. earn significantly less than the new superintendent of AAPS will earn.
northside
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
As usual it is up to readers to provide content, since none is given in the article. Psychiatrists, who make up most positions at the top of this list, make an average of $163,000/year. So the County salaries are not out of line with the private sector: <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291066.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291066.htm</a> By posting such a regular stream of such articles annarbor.com clearly thinks public sector salaries are too high. What does annarbor.com think these psychiatrists employed by the county should make?
DonBee
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Northside - Private sector salaries do not include funded retirement, medical, age 55 retirements and other benefits that a typical public sector employee enjoys. It is why I asked for a cost benefit study on this area. It may be that the salaries and program costs are much cheaper than any other option. Right now I don't know. I suspect no one does.
Soothslayer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:26 a.m.
I think what aa.com is trying to demonstrate is budget woes need to be shared across the board to be fair and in a manner proportionate to earnings, like taxation (more off the top, less off the bottom). Take $100/week out of these folks pay and they may not immediately get that new iPad, do the same for a $50k & lower wage earner and choices will need to be made on food, gas, clothing, etc. It's all relative.
DonBee
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.
I guess the only surprise is how many psychiatrists the county has on the payroll. 11 in the top 50. You would think with that many we could solve all the angst in the county about various political issues. I would really like to understand how many patients they see and what number of hours are used seeing patients. What would be the trade off to using private services. Note: I am NOT advocating a change in services or in privatizing, I just think it would be useful to know what the trade off would be.
hyp0static
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
@julieswhimsies That is not a fact at all and is (in fact) not true.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.
It is particularly disturbing, when, in fact, most Community mental Health patients see only U of M resident Psychiatrists...who are only supervised by the staff Psychiatrists.
DonBee
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
DennisP - Until the cost-benefit study is done, I am not willing to advocate a change to private. Once that is done, then I will make up my mind. I do not have enough information.
DennisP
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
BTW, I'm not criticizing your idea. I'm praising it. I'm just questioning why you wouldn't advocate for privatization. Seems like a lot of psychiatrists at the top of the food chain there. Along with administrators. Odd that judges aren't nearer the top--you would think that would be a higher paid position than psychiatrists given that it is an instrumental position in county government and the 3d branch of our governmental system. Can't say that I was taught much about psychiatry as a branch of government in my high school civics class.
DennisP
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
What's wrong with advocating privatization of medical services? We live in a nation of privatized medical services. If there are cost savings, then it would be sensible. I would think it would better tie the cost of services to the actual need because pricing would be based on services to be rendered.
Bablat
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11 a.m.
It's a good program. The voters in this county are nuts!
jasna
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
if you don't have your mental health, you don't have anything
braggslaw
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:55 a.m.
so we spend all our money on shrinks? heaven help us...what a racket
Floyd Griffey
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:24 a.m.
I wonder how to close "... a $20.9 million structural deficit in the general fund budget over the next two years." ? Oh Yes, fire a bunch of Sheriff Deputies and road commision workers.
Angela Barbash
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 4:17 a.m.
12 deputies are paid for out of county general fund dollars, with an additional $26k per contracted deputy as a subsidy, we have approx. 80 contracted deputies I believe (if I'm wrong, it might be closer to 60). The county also picks up the tab for specialized services like SWAT, Marine, Mounted, etc.
Kristin Judge
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:51 p.m.
The Washtenaw County budget does not pay for road commission workers. That is a completely different budget. Most of the Sheriff Deputies are also not paid for by the county budget. They are paid for by the contracting jurisdictions who use the service.
stunhsif
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:15 p.m.
Agree with Andy but it also comes down to numbers. There are boatloads of police and firemen employed compared to the number of lawyers and others listed above. From a cost standpoint police and fire make up the biggest dollar amount of the budge. Good Day
Soothslayer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:27 a.m.
the people in charge will always make sure they are attended to first and foremost, look at Congress or ANY executive branch of goverment