Coral Gables Watch

Thanks to Donna Shalala (I Believe)

This progress is due to great focussed and disciplined university leadership.

Move over, Gators. The University of Miami is now the top college in the state of Florida, according to U.S. News & World Report magazine — a first-ever accomplishment for the Coral Gables school.

via Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators get new ranking to argue about – Education – MiamiHerald.com.

Average Personnel Costs are Still Rising in the City of Coral Gables

I have taken staff costs and personnel numbers from estimated budget costs and historical information from the City of Coral Gables, 2010-2011 Budget Estimate [be warned this is a large download–you can request a hard copy of the document from the Finance Department] .

Here are some of the main conclusions:

• The year 2007-2008 was the high water mark with 875 personnel in the City of Coral Gables.  The staff number for the new budget 2010-2011 is estimated at 791.  This is a decline of 9.6% in four years–hardly a dramatic decline;
• The total personnel costs declined by 6% in the same period;
• The average position cost increased by 4% ;
• Thus average personnel costs are rising because the city is reducing the lowest paid staff for the most part.

Until the average costs start falling will the city get a handle on its biggest problems–shocking employee benefits.