City's Top Staff 'Will Take Home Less Money'

City of Piedmont department heads will see smaller paychecks under resolutions approved by the city council this week.

"This is a concession bargain," said City Administrator Geoffrey Grote. "People will take home less. The provisions mirror those of the rank and file."

While the council's actions don't cut department heads' salaries, the city's top staff members will be paying a larger share of some fringe benefits, including a portion of increases in the CALPERS retirement plan and retiree medical benefits.

The resolutions also specify no salary increases for the duration of the resolutions, which are in place through the end of 2012.

Most city employees, including department heads, have not had a salary increase for the past three years, Grote said.

"That won't change until the city's financial position improves," he added.

Mayor John Chiang said he's hopeful that modest cost-of-living increases (2 percent) may start up again in about two years.