Some California ‘Meter Maids’ Are Making Nearly $100K a Year
- Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:30pm by
Erica Ritz
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Back in July, experts said California only saw the “tip of the iceberg” after three of its cities were forced to declare bankruptcy. Though the budget is as large as a number of small countries, lawmakers in the state have made a habit of spending everything they have, and then some. With Governor Jerry Brown proposing to raise taxes even higher to bridge the gap, some are wondering how the state is spending its existing funds.
Though it is merely a fraction of the total budget, Brian Calle at the Orange County Register notes that for just 10 Hermosa Beach state employees, taxpayers are paying more than $1 million in bloated salaries, health, and retirement benefits. These are not highly-trained specialists, but what are sometimes referred to as “meter maids” — the people who write tickets when a car is left unattended, collect meters from the machines, etc.
(Getty Images File Photo)
Calle writes:
There are 10 parking enforcement employees for the 1.3-square-mile beach city southwest of downtown Los Angeles, and they pull down some disproportionate compensation, considering their job functions. In fact, the two highest-earning employees for fiscal year 2011-12 are estimated to have made more than $92,000 and $93,000, respectively, according to city documents provided by Patrick “Kit” Bobko, one of five council members…
There are four qualifications for being a city “community service officer,” Bobko told me: “You have to be able to drive a standard transmission; you have to able to handle large animals; you have to read and interpret statutes and regulations; and you have a high school diploma or equivalent.”
According to the city’s job description, these community service officers are supposed “to enforce meter and other regulations governing the parking of vehicles on streets and municipal parking lots; to enforce animal regulations; may drive city buses; collect meters and perform minor meter repairs; perform related work as required.”
While there is arguably a need for such a job, is it really worth the outrageous cost to California taxpayers? Calle continues:
Bobko also wrote in a memo that the retirement costs for these 10 employees “from [fiscal year 2011-12] through their retirement age at 62 was nearly $1.6 million, and the medical costs for these employees from this fiscal year to their retirement at age 62 would be $1,353,827.” Excluding salaries, the [retirement] contributions and medical costs for the 10 employees performing parking enforcement will cost, on average, nearly $300,000 apiece.” [All emphasis added]
(Photo: Getty Images)
There have been calls to partially automate and privatize the positions, but Hermosa Beach Police Chief Steve Johnson and Councilman Howard Fishman are seemingly opposed to eliminating any union jobs, whatever the cost to taxpayers.
Tara Finnigan, a spokeswoman for nearby Newport, commented: “[Newport] has seen a 24.4 percent increase in parking-meter revenues over last year, and salary savings of approximately $500,000 from outsourcing parking meter operations,” but Hermosa remains unconvinced.
Bobko simply explained: “When you outsource, you take away union jobs… [but] we can’t keep making promises with money we don’t have to people we are paying well above what the market would pay them.”
Mike Shedlock of Townhall wrote of the situation: “In these trying times, one might think that public union supporters would back off of ludicrous demands, at least a tiny bit.”
A Townhall commenter added: “Where do I apply for that job? I went to law school, became a lawyer, and only make 1/2 that much. Viva la revolucion.”
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Comments (96)
denise4641
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:16pmOf course, we will probably be stuck with the cost of bailing out California. Tell me, why should responsible adults be required through their tax dollars to bail out an irresponsible state that proves the Obama policies do not work
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:40pmNo wonder California is going broke, they don’t understand the lessons of simple economics:
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOKcdOI25ig
dominator888
Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:25amWhen there was plenty, nobody was complaining. now that the private industry is taking a hit with employee cutbacks, NOOOOW everyone is whining, and sobbing. back in mid 2,000 no one was snooping at salaries, benefits, etc. You should all thank all of our big American CEO’s /companies for sending our jobs to China. They sold out our country. We no longer have MADE IN AMERICA products. Back in the 80′s we were made fun of if we had a made in China toy, bicycle, etc. Now, all the big American brand names, ALL are made in China. Way to go CEO‘ s I’m sure you got a great bonus for sending our jobs overseas. Last, quit whining about these people that are generating much needed $$$$ for the cities.
Report Post »dominator888
Posted on August 16, 2012 at 1:27amSorry was not meant for you. Was for everyone to see.
Report Post »surfcitysocal
Posted on August 16, 2012 at 9:47pmYou’re right. You shouldn’t be responsible for irresponsible policies and politicians who refuse to live within their means. More importantly, you shouldn‘t be held hostage by public employees’ unions, particularly the teachers, like we are. I’m a Californian and I urge all Americans across the country, if the feds bail out this state, rise up in protest. Perhaps those in other states can stop the insanity–conservatives are drowned out here.
Report Post »Female
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:14pmDo these meter maids make more than the cops who risk their lives?
Just wondering?
Report Post »Blacksunshine
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 1:23amNo there are Cops making 330K and Fire Fighters making over 130K average. California Gov. salaries started going up in the 90′s and is now are completely out of control.(thanks to Unions) California needs an intervention!
Report Post »Kevin The Elder
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 5:57amPoliticians of all stripes need to pass legislation that prohibits government workers to be part of a union. This is the way it was when I was in my twenties. City officials determined when to give raises and how much for all city workers. Cops and firemen could also appeal to the residents via a referendum on the ballad. Admittedly, the cops and firemen were somewhat underpaid, but maybe if we returned to this sane system, we could come up with a way to avoid that from happening. With salaries, health costs and pensions currently totally out of hand, this situation needs to be addressed.
Report Post »watashbuddyfriend
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:10pmHow much more can the Sate of California handle! I had no idea there were so man dummines out there. How much longer before the San Andreas Fault explodes putting the State out into the Pacific? Choose the Right Road, now!
Report Post »diocisalvi
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:09pmIt’s sad, California was the land of plenty…once a great food basket for the world,living was easy and then the left came and it has taken them 35 years but now it’s a hell hole…this is the state that piglosi comes from,code pink,lefty hollywood,oakland,and a state that gave up it’s freedom,goodness, and beauty for illegals,terrorist,perverts,welfare,foodstamps ,SF,and the moron left…not to good of a trade there guys…
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:58pmHandle, large, animals???
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:57pmThere will soon be on cars out there to give meter maid service to, for the whole place is going to hell in a handbasket. I guess you can give parking tickets to horses and mules.
Report Post »Revelation1911
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:57pmIf you are thinking of visiting Disneyland, Hermosa Beach, Malibu, Long Beach, Santa Barbara, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, Big Sur, Hollywood, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, or any other left leaning location here in California, I strongly advise you to reconsider. The tyranny that has engulfed this state has gotten progressively worse. They will nickel and dime you to death via taxes, fees, penalties, fines & tolls to feed their progressive machine. There are signs all over these places promoting their “utopia” on earth that will make you sick to your stomach. I have lived here in Orange County all my life and have seen this state go straight down the death spiral of immorality, debt, violence, corruption, crumbling infrastructure, anarchy & theft. It is tough for me to think positively about this state when I had the unfortunate experience of my high school coach assaulting me and I read in the paper that he is making $300,000/year salary as a school superintendent while I sit here unemployed. You are not allowed to step on “environmentally sensitive” land, I imagine if they could have walls and electrified fences to keep the people out they would. Also, not too far from here the police beat a harmless homeless man to death for no apparent reason. The following video is a parody of the late East German anthem before the walls were torn down. Just replace “East Germany” with California and Enjoy:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5128943945501615502
Report Post »patmajek
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:49pmThis is awesome! We all know that it is only a matter of time before California goes belly up so I would propose that they double everyone’s salary immediately so they can get there in half the time! Why postpone the inevitable?
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:39pmProgressives have destroyed California and are working overtime to finish off the rest of the country.
Report Post »Just write off California and give it to Mexico it’s a POS state anyway.
Gonzo
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:51pmCalifornia is a great state, it’s the Californians that suck.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:59pmI agree. Most of them, anyway.
Report Post »RIGHTHOOK
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 4:31pmBefore you condemn the entire state you need to understand that unlike the other 49 there is a massive Conservative county (Orange). Check out the Orange County Register which is a Conservative rag unlike the LA Times. http://www.ocregister.com/
Report Post »Irvine, Mission Viejo to name a couple of some of the very lowest crime cities in America and fiscally well managed. Now for the rest of the state………….and it’s governor…well you may have a pretty solid point.
marcus_arealius
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:28pmHere are some improvements in the meter enforcement industry -
1. Seize any vehicle with an expired meter. Save on not needed a ticket book, employ an additional union worker, the tow truck driver.
2. Any vehicle worth less than $500 will be crushed and sold for scrap. Steel price forecasts appear to be up this year. Employ an additional union worker – the car crusher machine.
3. Elevate meter violations to misdemeanors – employ more union cops, union jail workers, public defenders, jail construction contractors, judges.
And so on. See how parking meters make the life of government thrive? It’s a racket.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:25pmPlease tell me again why they’re BROKE ………….
Report Post »Verceofreason
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:15pmPa-leeeeeeze.
Report Post »Outsourceing only INCREASES labor costs. Get a grip folks.
progressiveslayer
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:50pmThat‘s your story and you’re sticking to it? Come on verce,government causes labor cost to rise with redundant and oppressive regulations. Yes corporations engage in outsourcing to raise their labor costs,lmao
Report Post »DRT_7.62_BTHP
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:05pmOutsourcing to a private company ******.
Report Post »rickinpa
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:06pmI guess you missed the part where the neighboring city saw an significant increase in meter revenue (over 24%) and a savings in salary of $500,000 by outsourcing their meter collection. I think like most lbs you just write/speak BS hoping some will stick.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:54pmwhere are you going to live in California on that money, a trailer?
Report Post »Larry E
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:07pmGee, even a poor nincompoop like me who never ever went to an elite eastern (or western) university can see that paying some schlub $130k a year to do what these people are supposed to be doing is outrageous. Thank you unions!
Report Post »Owt_Raged
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:03pmI hope no one bails out California when it fails. I think those that created the problem should have to live with what they created.
I would vote against ANY federal tax money going to CA.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:16pmYou won’t get to vote on it and they will take money from you and I to bail them out. You know they will, Republican or Democrat, they will.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:17pmOwt_Raged’
“I hope no one bails out California when it fails. I think those that created the problem should have to live with what they created.” ~~~~~ Unfortunately they won’t…
“I would vote against ANY federal tax money going to CA.” ~~~~~ and you may!
Report Post »MeteoricLimbo
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:36pmJust imagine how quickly the trash would pile up and the stench and rat infestation and and and…California has Brown Rot…again
Report Post »In the O.C.
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:02pmDang, if I’d known 30 years ago that I could have made that kind of money writing parking citiations (essentially), I would have busted my a$$ to get one of those jobs. Geez. I ALWAYS miss my chance.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:59pmPlane and simple, governments should never have any employees at all. Politicians don’t know how to manage anything. All government services should be contracted annually to the lowest bidder. This is a no brainier, talk about stupid taxpayers.
Report Post »shoulda coulda woulda
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:50pmWow
As a resident of Texas I hope Jerry Brown gets his tax hike. It is driving a lot of business savy, independent minded people to the Lone Star State. We could always use more business
Thanks
Jerry
PS: Beware this means in the end the other states will have to bail out California, reminds me of Ayn Rand.
Report Post »Juan
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:02pmI am a phyician in florida and last year I was able to clear $73,400. Seriously, where can I write to apply for this job.?
Report Post »gperky
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:04pmI don‘t mind the businesses coming here as long as we don’t get the fruit loop wack jobs along with them. Afterall, California is the land of “fruits‘ and ’Nuts‘ and we don’t need them here. Texas has been doing just fine! I love the way these lib-tards criticize Perry and our government in Texas; we have more jobs than the rest of the country combined and we have balanced budget!
Report Post »In the O.C.
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:05pmWe would LOVE to move to Texas, but your state is not welcoming to those looking for work. If you live there, you’ll get the first consideration over anyone else. We own property there, and Texas won‘t even LOOK at my spouse’s resume nor consider him because we live out of state. Moving to Texas is a great idea – I agree. But unless you have the money to keep you going indefiniately (and who does, these days?) you’re stuck. And good luck making it work. That’s a fact.
Report Post »glennpatstu
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:49pmwow, income envy from the blazers. how ironic.
Report Post »Toltepeceno
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:02pmMoronic response.
Report Post »taxpro4u03
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 6:59pmLike the ‘entertainment’ industry…. i.e. MSM and its ‘spin-offs.’ MOST produce NOTHING of value to the general population at large — Dis/mis/false – ‘information,’ — ‘jerry springer’ – if it bleeds it leads STORIES — Why do advertisers PAY for it? Simply because the $ is either padded from private and/or govt CORPORATIONS to broadcast the drivel, hype the masses (morbid curiosity society is a PSYCHOLOGICAL problem) put a few ‘pretty faces’ (news ‘porn’) on the tube, and HOPE the viewers buy the products advertised… — A society that fails to PRODUCE anything of value is doomed to fail. It dries up the ‘revenue’ base — so ‘gubmint’ is “compelled” to ‘subsidize’ via $16 TRILLION to FUND the masses… (taxes go to the Crown via the Dominican Republic (domicile of the Fed) – There hasn’t been any NEW money in a very long time…. the very ‘idea’ of what constitutes as ‘money’ today is merely DEBT TRANSFER {read a federal reserve NOTE — ‘legal tender’ — backed by ‘full faith and CREDIT’}
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:47pmThe stupid answers really say it all !
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:43pmAs a Data Base Administrator with a Bachelor’s degree and 20 years at the same job, my husband makes just a few thousand more a year than the meter maids. This country is becoming more lob sided every day. No wonder more cities are going bankrupt., the waste is mindboggling.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:52pmIn… ObamaTopia… everyone has the same Income!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:57pmYes … at is the new Obamtopia … isn’t that fair?
Report Post »HKS
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:02pmSo why do we waste all that money on education. Makes no difference in Obama topia
Report Post »USPATRIOT101
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:43pmThis is what barack thinks the rich should be paying for, bloated Government.
Report Post »Popp40
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:41pmGotta love union workers….
Report Post »johnjamison
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:40pmFire all government employees are start from scratch establish non-union work force with pay based on performance and return.
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:46pmI’d do the job for $30,000.
Report Post »KixAcelot
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:05pmwait wait wait…I’m a Government employee. I have two degrees and significant amounts of experience in the private sector and I don’t make that kind of money. Nor am I part of the union. And I advocated a pay freeze for Federal Employees.
Oh, and I often work late and on weekends without extra pay because I have pride in my work and my job.
Should I be included in your sweeping generalization of all goverment employees and fired immediately?
Report Post »prage2001
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 2:20pmKix,
Report Post »Yes! You should be fired! Stay with me here…..when they rehire based on work performance you should be hired to RUN the friggin place! Hopefully getting the pay you deserve! That is the point many people are making here. Hard workers and people with pride in their work (such as yourself) should be rewarded !
johnjamison
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:59pmKix,
Report Post »I’ld have to say yes. But if you’re actually telling the truth the work record would speak for itself when re-filling government departments that are necessary. But much like our founders we need to start with clean slate and build from the ground up.
lukerw
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:39pmCompeting with… the Sex Industry!
Report Post »oriondma05
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 1:39pmI work in the oilfield as an engineer and make $110,000. I started out at $50k and had to work 90+ hour weeks and accepting positions all over the US to move up.
I have a 4 year degree in Engineering and cost me $120,000 which I just paid off this year (8 years of payments) but still was 12 years ahead of the 20 year note on my loans.
I earned my salary, did these bureaucrats earn theirs?
Report Post »