The Stark Development Corporation's executive director apparently believes he deserves yet another salary increase, even though he's comparing apples to grapefruit.
During the economic development group's board of director's meeting in March, Gaylon Baker told the group he has applied for the University System's vice-chancellor for strategic planning position. The unapproved minutes of this meeting state Baker noted the University System position salary is $110,000 plus benefits, compared to his current salary of $76,000. The organization's budget indicates Baker also receives health insurance coverage and fringe benefits.
The minutes further state Baker noted the Minot economic development director's pay is around $90,000, which includes retirement benefits. The minutes stated additional salary would be incentive for him to remain in his position.
The minutes then state the board excused Baker from the meeting and the directors further discussed the topic. The directors ultimately decided they are not of the mind to adjust the salary and Vice President Gene Jackson would visit with Baker about the discussion.
The directors felt economic development positions in larger cities involved additional staff and program supervision and comparisons should take in these considerations, the minutes stated. There was concern regarding public perception of an increase of this magnitude based on a specific situation, the minutes also stated.
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The truth is Baker already is paid considerably more than the directors of two economic development organizations in the state in cities of like size to Dickinson.
The economic development director for Williston is paid $64,970 a year, is provided health insurance, a match toward a retirement and a $20,000 term life insurance policy. This individual also oversees one employee.
The economic development director for Jamestown is paid $65,000 a year, is provided health insurance that includes dental and vision coverage, a 5.12 percent of gross salary contribution to a retirement fund and a $25,000 term life insurance policy. This individual also oversees three full-time employees.
Even when taking into consideration the retirement benefit for the Jamestown position, Baker is still far above in compensation with his existing base salary.
It is interesting how Baker tries to draw a comparison between his position here and that of his counterpart in Minot as a justification for a pay raise. Minot is more than twice the size of Dickinson (35,000-plus) and as a result, Minot's resources also are substantially larger.
At $76,000 a year, Baker is drawing one of the highest annual salaries this community offers. He isn't supervising even a modest-sized staff, but instead oversees a single secretary.
There are many in the community who truly wonder what Baker does day to day to deserve this type of compensation, since the bulk of the organization's funding comes from our taxes. It doesn't help matters that he continues to support further limiting how much information is shared publicly about the organization, and ultimately his duties and activities.
Instead of actively formulating partnerships that could act as cheerleaders for the organization, its activities and his position, Baker takes the opposite approach.
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We wish Baker good luck with his job search and commend the Stark Development board for using some common sense in handling this matter.
