City discusses evaluation system for non-union employees

NORWICH – A resolution authorizing a cost of living increase of three percent for non-unit employees was a stumbling point for the City of Norwich Common Council Tuesday night.

The cost of living increase of three percent would amount to a difference of between $8,000 and $12,000 for the approximately 11 non-bargaining city employees. Although, the cost of living increases are generally kept approximately the same as the amount given to the union employees, some members of the council found fault in the way the increases are given across the board.

“At this point, the discussion is that the raises should be based on merit, but we have no evaluations on an annual basis, so if one person receives three percent, everyone does,” said Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey. “My concern is if you have someone who performs at a high level, and someone who doesn’t, you’re rewarding them as if they were performing at the same level.”

Human Resources Director Deborah Deforest explained if that was a concern, many agencies provide the cost of living adjustment at a uniform amount and then give stipends to reward employees for their work. In order to install a system for evaluations and performance reviews, Deforest said a third party agency would have to be brought in to set up and create a system. When previously investigated, Deforest said she found the cost to be approximately $50,000.