Carson City manager gets raise

Carson City Manager John Berkich received a $4,500 raise and $8,750 bonus Thursday.

City supervisors used a mathematical formula that allowed them to rate Berkich's performance. A score of six represented he had done poorly and a score of 42 represented exceptional work. Berkich received an average score of 32 from the supervisors, which puts his performance in the commendable range, Mayor Ray Masayko said.

Last year, he received an average score of 34.

"I think he does a fine job," Masayko said. "He's very skilled. He's very experienced, and he works very hard. That doesn't mean there's not room for improvement. There is. There are some things we want to see."

Berkich, who has worked for the city since 1990, was paid $90,250. His salary for the 2000/2001 fiscal year will be $94,805. The salary was effective July 1, 2000.

Supervisor Kay Bennett said she thought the salary was too low.

"Heaven forbid something happen to John and we have to look for a new city manager," Bennett said. "I know what the market is. You wouldn't even begin to talk to qualified people at what (he) makes."

Berkich earned the $8,750 bonuses out of a potential $11,000 for his work on projects such as Costco, the second phase of the freeway, Y2K preparation, regional meetings and the budget process.

Berkich said he has yet to set his goals for the coming year, but has the potential to earn a $20,000 bonus.

"Obviously there are external factors that affect my ability to complete every goal fully," Berkich said. "This is a very informative process that points out my strengths, weaknesses and room for improvement,"

Masayko voted against the pay raise, not because he finds fault with Berkich's performance, but because he said the process used to reach the salary is flawed. Masayko said if supervisors would follow the formula properly, Berkich would have been paid more.