REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Approve Increased Hourly Rates for As-Needed Classifications Working at Levi’s Stadium, Adopt Resolution Approving the Updated Salary Plan, and Approve Related Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara relies on sworn and civilian law enforcement and security professionals to provide public safety and law enforcement services for events at Levi’s Stadium. Among these professionals, Per Diem Staff (Per Diem), such as Special Event Officers (SEOs), Public Safety Dispatchers (PSDs), and Traffic Control Officers (TCOs), are present for all events at Levi’s Stadium.
Anticipating the staffing needs of Levi’s Stadium, the Police Department worked with the Human Resources Department to establish Per Diem classifications (temporary as-needed) prior to the Stadium’s opening.
Special Event Officers (SEOs) are Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified peace officers with specialized training and expertise to patrol the Stadium and preserve law and order which includes, but is not limited to, patrolling designated areas, crime prevention, and responding to calls for service for the protection of life and property.
Public Safety Dispatchers (PSDs) deploy police, fire and emergency medical personnel and equipment within the stadium footprint, interior and exterior. Due to the nature of their assignment, Public Safety Dispatchers are typically the first wave of staff to arrive and the last to depart on event days. Public Safety Dispatchers are also required to possess POST certification and have specialized training and experience.
Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) direct motorists, provide traffic control, monitor routine and unusual traffic conditions, and assist and advise motorists and the general public. TCOs are required to have a minimum of one year of full time paid or volunteer work experience involving considerable contact with the general public. The Police Department worked with the Human Resources Department to develop this classification in lieu of utilizing full-time police officers for pedestrian and traffic control on the exterior of the facility as a cost saving measure.
All public safety expenses associated with events at Levi’s Stadium, including per diem or as-needed personnel, are reimbursed to the City by the Stadium Authority.
DISCUSSION
Perhaps the greatest planning challenge for Levi’s Stadium events is staffing. Recruitment and solicitation for event staffing is one of the greatest pre-event resource draws. When fewer per diem staff commit to an event, more regular full-time employees (FTE) are required, which drives up costs, as FTEs command a higher pay rate. FTE Officers are at a much higher OT pay rate, at approximately $131 for Non-NFL Events and approximately $175 for NFL events. Currently, SEOs are paid $75 per hour.
The pay disparity (resulting from the fact that SEOs are not working overtime for the City) has significantly impacted recruitment. Additionally, after 10 seasons, staffing interest from the per diem staff has waned. Over the past four seasons, there has been a 43.2% decrease in SEO attendance.
• 2019 SEO staffing: 66% attendance of SEO staffing pool (avg of 91/138 per event, Aug 2019-Jan 2020)
• 2023 SEO staffing: 37.5% attendance of SEO staffing pool (avg of 60/160 per event, 2023-24 event season)
The conversation of stale pay rates also applies to the PSDs and TCOs, whose interest has likewise waned. For the 2023-24 event season, the TCO staffing average was 14 TCOs per event, while the staffing pool guidance level is much higher, at 58 TCOs per event.
As a result, FTE-mandated events have increased (see below), which impacts morale on the current FTE staff, drives up costs, and increases risks. When a threat assessment calls for more staffing than the available FTE pool, the City has no mechanism to mandate the per diem staff or allied partners (mutual aid is not permissible for pre-planned, for-profit events).
FTE-mandated events:
• 2021-22: 1 event
• 2022-23: 3 events
• 2023-24: 6 events
Research demonstrates that a pay increase for per diem staff will boost staffing support and have an immediate effect on increasing SEO, PSD and TCO staffing levels. An April 2024 poll conducted with SEOs states that 85% of respondents (101 total) indicated the primary factor that would increase their staffing support is an hourly wage increase.
The Santa Clara Police Department is recommending the following:
• An increase of the SEO hourly rate from $75.00 per hour to $95.00 per hour.
• An increase of the PSD hourly rate from $60.00 per hour to $70.00 per hour.
• An increase of the TCO hourly rate from $25.00 per hour to $30.00 per hour.
This would be the first salary adjustment for PSDs since the classification was created with the opening of Levi’s Stadium. This hourly wage increase would continue to be reimbursed to the City of Santa Clara for events at Levi’s Stadium. If approved, the pay increase would be effective on September 29, 2024.
The table below outlines the cost reduction realized when comparing per diem staff to FTE staff, currently and after the recommended pay raise. Of note, the FTE staff rates do not include non-public safety City employees that may be asked to fill the role.
Updated Salary Plan
Section 9 of the Personnel and Salary Resolution requires City Council approval of the compensation plans for As-Needed classifications. California Code Regulations Section 570.5 requires the adoption of updated publicly available salary schedules by the governing body. The attached Resolution approves and adopts the updated salary plan for the Per Diem Police Officer, Per Diem Dispatcher, and Traffic Control Officer (temporary as-needed) classifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended budget amendment for Per Diem Police Officers is detailed in the table below. The costs associated with Per Diem Police Officers are reimbursed to the City of Santa Clara by the Stadium Authority.
Budget Amendment - FY 2024/25
|
|
Current |
Increase/ Decrease |
Revised |
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Charges for Services |
$1,191,086 |
$317,623 |
$1,508,709 |
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
Non-Departmental - Salaries and Benefits |
$813,750 |
$317,623 |
$1,131,373 |
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Human Resources Department, City Attorney’s Office and Police Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve increases to the hourly pay rate for the as-needed classifications of Per Diem Dispatcher, Per Diem Police Officer, and Traffic Control Officer;
2. Adopt a Resolution approving and adopting the updated as-needed salary plan reflecting the increased hourly rates; and
3. Approve the FY 2024/25 budget amendment in the General Fund to increase the Charges for Services budget in the amount of $317,623 and increase the Non-Departmental Salaries and Benefits budget in the amount of $317,623 (five affirmative Council votes required to appropriate additional revenue).
Staff
Reviewed by: Chuck Baker, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Updated As-Needed Salary Plan (effective 9/29/2024)