HL & P Board Pay Raise Update

The health insurance benefit (aka pay raise) for the Board of Directors (Elected Officials) was approved in the November 2011 meeting.  The meeting agenda  shows this item:
Administration – General Business
*2012 Preliminary Budget
*2012 Operating Resolution
*Employee & Exempt Employee Manual Amendments

The minutes of the meeting for this item report:
"Employee and Exempt Manual Amendments
The Human Resources Committee of the Board presented amendments to the Employee and Exempt Employee Manuals. Benny Mergist moved to accept the amendments to the Manuals with changes as discussed. Motion seconded by John Whiting. Motion passed all in favor."

Members in attendance:  Mayor Dave Phillips, Mayor Connie Tatton, Town President John Whiting, Councilman Benny Mergist

Excused:Councilman Alan McDonald, County Council Chairman Mike Kohler

Who is on the Human Resources Committee?
David Phillips, Connie Tatton and John Whiting

***Click here for all of the approved changes 

 Included is a cap on employee retirement allowance, an increase in education allowance (with a decrease in grade requirement), limiting changes for "new" employees, one more paid holiday and a LARGE pay increase for the Board. *****************

From these approved changes:

"HR Committee revisions to Employee Manual

Purpose:  To ensure fair compensation and benefits for employees, the continued solvency of the Company and value for customers.

On page 8 of these manual changes, -apparently an addition to the manual:
"Exempt Employees Manual

Directors’ Compensation In-lieu of Health Insurance Benefits: 

The Company will pay to a Director the premium normally paid to the Health Insurance carrier for the Medical, Dental and Vision coverage.  When premium rates are increased or decreased by the insurance carrier, compensation in-lieu of benefits shall be adjusted by an equal amount. "

One can easily conclude that, rather than providing health insurance, this change simply increased the Board member by the amount of the insurance. 

For more information see the Salt Lake Tribune article here. which refers to  "the board released a prepared statement Wednesday"  reported in the Tribune article.

Here is that statement:

“Last summer the HR committee of Heber Light & Power’s Board undertook a comprehensive review of all the benefits offered to the Company’s employees and Board Members.

The review included an assessment as to the Power Board Member’s eligibility to participate in the Company’s health benefit plan and it was determined that Board Members were eligible to receive the health benefits plan.  Upon approval by the Board, effective July 1, 2011, the Board Members were offered the Company’s health benefits plan.

The Heber Light & Power Board is committed to providing its member’s and employee’s reasonable compensation and benefits to maintain a highly skilled and motivated team. This team works to ensure reliable, reasonably priced electricity is available to all of our customers; extension of these benefits will not result in a rate increase to customers nor affect service.”

Does this mean that the pay raise was also RETROACTIVE???

For even more here to read Councilman McDonald's report. 
    and further here in the Wasatch Currant