The Payroll Is Out Of Control ... Not

I continue to marvel at the one person who is funding No on Z and who is the "primary adversary of all things zoo."  She is upset that the wages paid to every employee who works for the zoo is not provided to her for her review.  Frankly, I'm glad the zoo doesn't publish everyone's salary.  Give them some privacy!  They don't work for the government.  And just because the government funds some of the operations does not mean employees waive their privacy rights.  We don't require that of other organizations receiving public dollars. 

You might think that a person who makes such a demand is an HR professional who is familiar with salaries paid to workers in the industry.  No.  She is not. 

Then why does she need that information?  She claims it is because we have a "City of Bell" problem with the zoo.  What is the basis for that claim?  The only thing she has ever said is that payroll has doubled since the zoo started its expansion and renovation. 

What happened in Bell?  City officials boosted their personal salaries without council approval.  Those salaries ranged from bout $400,000 to about $800,000.  Even city council members were receiving about $100,000 per year for part-time work according to the LA Times. 

So is the "primary adversary of all things zoo" claiming that salaries of zoo personnel are in the same range?  Is she suggesting that someone (or somebodies) at the zoo are paying themselves half a million dollars?  That's exactly what she is saying.  It wouldn't be so bad if she had an ounce of proof.  She doesn't. 

So why have zoo personnel costs increased?  There are a few very good reasons.  First, the zoo employs more workers than in 2004.  In fact, during the accreditation process, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recommended that the zoo increase the number of staff.  Second, salaries that attract and retain good employees are being paid.  The zoo has a great HR Director who understands salaries and compensation issues.  As a result, the zoo has set salaries that are consistent with those in the industry. 

And this is all done without anyone at the zoo earning anywhere near $400,000.  And how can you be sure?  There are several reasons.  First, the zoo is audited by an independent CPA firm.  So is the Fresno Zoo Tax Authority.  Moreover, The zoo, which is actually "Fresno's Chaffee Zoo Corporation" files a tax return each year.  Because "ZooCorp" (as I call it) is a non-profit public benefit corporation its tax returns are public.  They can be found on a few websites.  One website that I use is www.guidestar.org. 

If you bother to look, you will see that there are only two ZooCorp employees who earn over $100,000.  And it's not much more than that.  Everyone else is below that $100,000 threshold.  Board members, who work many hours, and who also provide generous donations, don't receive a dime. 

Too bad the "primary adversary of all things zoo" didn't bother to look at the tax returns before making a claim that we have "City of Bell" problem with ZooCorp salaries.  It's not that the person was not informed.  That information was discussed at a public meeting where I was present. 

I guess it's just easier for some people to say whatever they want in order to achieve their goals.  I think we already identified that as Machiavellian.  (See my post of October 13, 2014.)