If you recall last week, Steve Gregory ruffled LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's feathers when he asked her if there were in any plans for Supervisors or any other County officials to take voluntary pay cuts.
A lot of private companies are having Executives take pay cuts, and furloughs are happening left and right, so it's a fair question to ask of our LA County officials. She wasn't happy with the question, but that hasn't stopped Steve from pursuing the question. The following is an email exchange from Steve and the Communications Director for LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. You'll notice all the niceties go out the door pretty quickly. Why is this such a difficult question for them to respond to?
Anyway, without further ado, Gary and Shannon will read you Steve Gregory's emails:
GARY:
Hi Barbara,
I am compiling a list of elected officials' actions/positions on Covid-19 issues.
In light of the financial burden of residents, including layoffs, closures and pay cuts...
Does Supervisor Hahn plan to take a voluntary pay reduction?
Does the Supervisor's senior staff plan to take a voluntary pay reduction?
For the period March 1st to current, how has Supervisor Hahn spent her discretionary funds?
Thank you,
Steve Gregory
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SHANNON
Steve-
I’m working on the discretionary grants. In the meantime, the supervisor says, “As you know, the county has a budget process that rolls out over time to deal with current situations. It is too early to make speculative commitments to any specific budget cuts. Incidentally, the supervisors’ salaries are set by the courts, not the supervisors themselves, and tied to judges’ salaries.“
Barbara Osborn, Ph.D
Communications Director, Third District
LA County Supervisor’s Office
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GARY
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your reply.
I wasn't aware there was a statute which precludes someone from voluntarily taking a pay reduction. Would you please direct me to that language?
Thank you,
Steve Gregory
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SHANNON
I’d recommend you reach out to the courts for that information.
Barbara Osborn, Ph.D
Communications Director, Third District
LA County Supervisor’s Office
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GARY
Hi Barbara,
So, to be clear...a statute prevents a member of the board of supervisors, and members of their staffs, from taking a voluntary pay reduction?
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SHANNON
No, to be clear: The supervisors’ salaries are set by the courts not by the supervisors.
Barbara Osborn, Ph.D
Communications Director, Third District
LA County Supervisor’s Office
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GARY
I didn't ask about a person's salary, that was never the question.
I'm just not aware of any statute that 'forces' an employee to accept all their pay.
If you'd rather discuss on the phone you can call... 818-000-0000
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SHANNON
I offered you the information because I thought it would provide you with additional relevant context given your interest in Supervisor compensation. No need to chat.
Barbara Osborn, Ph.D
Communications Director, Third District
LA County Supervisor’s Office
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GARY
Ok. I never asked about the rate of compensation. I did ask, repeatedly, about voluntary pay reduction. But, you've told me a judge has ruled that the supervisor and her staff are barred from voluntarily reducing their pay.
Thank you
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