HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-mail from Troy Helms - Cty Job - Janitorial wage Sweeney, Kathleen
From: Troy Helms <srgtstorm47@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 6:29 PM
To: Gilbert, Loyd; Schmidt, Dennis; Shunsicker@buttecounty.net;Vance, Larry; Ring, Brian;
Hahn, Paul; Sweeney, Kathleen; Connelly, Bill;Wahl, Larry; Kirk, Maureen; BOS District 4;
Teeter, Doug
Subject: Topic - County job -Janitorial $10.67 rain.wage
My name is Troy Helms and I am writing this document because I'm a concerned and confused Butte
County employee. I work for General Services as a Janitor. I never thought that I would be writing a
document about how Butte County is under paying wages and over charging simple medical
necessities. There has been a stagnant freeze on the pay scale for Butte County Janitors since 2007
or earlier at $10.67 and still is now in 2016, while California starts a new minimum wage this year at
$10.00.
It's hard to believe a government county job for a janitorial position starts out at $10.67, only 67 cents
above minimum wage. Butte County needs to fix the rate of the janitorial pay scale to the government
county standards of other jurisdictions, in which they are paid much higher than Butte County. Butte
County has had so many years and opportunities to fix the pay scale but insisted on ignoring their
employees and put us in financial hardship. It seems to me like Butte County only cares for their high
cost buildings and million dollar projects, but will not work out what needs to be first—their
employees.
I consider myself a model employee. I'm happily married and a proud father of two beautiful children.
I find it hard to talk to them and let them know how hard it is to pay a mortgage, medical insurance
and also put food on the table while receiving minimum wages, of which expensive medical premiums
are also deducted. It hurts me and saddens me deep inside my heart to see an awesome county like
Butte County to do this to their employees and families. It's very tearful and sad.
As an employee I am a hard worker with an exceptional work ethic. I live in Yuba City and commute
every day to work. I have excellent attendance. I'm dependable and receive great comments from my
job and the buildings I clean. We are on the front-line against dangerous diseases and harmful
bacteria. I know the many hazardous and dangerous chemicals I use are chronic and life threatening,
but I chose this job because I love Butte County and the mountains.
In closing this document I wanted to express how I felt about the conditions that have been negligent
for many years in Butte County. Please take this into serious thought. My family and I are hurting and
saddened because I can't pay a mortgage and medical insurance as a result of the minimum wage
pay scale and high cost of medical insurance. I love Butte County and I don't want to leave. Please
help.
Sincerely,
Troy Helms