from: http://www.westseneca.net/index.php?q=node/295

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of Erik Finbar from “out of title” to Real Property Appraiser provisional effective November 15, 2010, concurrent with the town scheduling a promotional civil service exam for Real Property Appraiser, and grant Erik Finbar a leave of absence from his position as Real Property Appraisal Technician effective November 15, 2010 through June 1, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
TITLE CHANGE FOR REAL PROPERTY APPRAISAL TECHNICIAN

Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned the title change for Erik Finbar in the Assessor’s Office.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the former Real Property Appraiser retired and Mr. Finbar has been serving in that capacity until the Town Board decides what to do with the position. It was decided that they will offer the test and appoint Mr. Finbar temporarily until he takes the Real Property Appraiser test.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned if anyone could take the test and be considered for the position if they scored higher.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that anyone with the qualifications would be permitted to take the test.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned if Mr. Finbar had any special training to become an appraiser.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that Mr. Finbar has an undergraduate degree in engineering along with appraisal courses he has taken on his own and that the town has paid for over the years.

Frank Russo, Parkside Drive, stated that in 2009 the total salary of the Real Property Appraiser Technician with overtime, vacation, etc. was $69,583.84. In the 2009 budget, it was budgeted for $38,256. Mr. Russo stated that this was a friends and family appointment and the job was never posted. It started as a temporary, seasonal clerk position for $6.90 per hour, and then last year when he didn’t score high enough on the civil service test the Town Board changed the title of the position. Mr. Russo did not agree with changing a title for a position if an individual does not score high enough on the civil service test.

Councilwoman Meegan stated that the employee has been receiving out of title pay since the previous Real Property Appraiser retired.

Supervisor Piotrowski noted that by changing the title it will actually reduce the salary because he will not be receiving out of title pay.

Mr. Russo did not agree with paying an employee out of title pay if they were not qualified for the position. He also thought that if someone does not score high enough on an exam the position should be reposted and someone from the list should be hired rather than changing the title. Mr. Russo suggested that the town change their hiring practices and post job openings in the Buffalo New and on the town’s website so they get good, quality people.
I did a quick search of the Town Board Minutes and could not find a motion authorizing out of title pay for Mr. Finbar.