Dueling Contracts: Who is the Highest Paid employee in the City?

By Staff Writer

We recently revealed and analyzed the outrageous Employment Agreement between the City of Franklin and Franklin Director of Finance and Treasurer, Calvin Patterson—the second highest paid City employee.

In this piece we will focus on the extraordinary Employment Agreement provided to the city’s highest paid employee, Mark Luberda, Director of Administration who, like Cal Patterson, is an officer in Mayor Taylor’s cabinet.

According to City documents Mark Luberda’s Employment Agreement was entered into on November 21, 2007.  Prior to the agreement Luberda’s annual base salary was $98,664.80.  According to the terms of his contract, Mr. Luberda received a one-percent annual base pay increase upon signing the agreement.  Mr. Luberda also received a one-time payment of $950. (See Contract; page two, Section 3, SALARY).

Like Mr. Patterson’s agreement, Mr. Luberda’s agreement includes an automatic 12-month renewal clause which includes a three-percent annual base salary increase, unless a resolution is submitted to the Common Council by a predetermined date. By submission of a resolution, the Common Council votes to extend or terminate the agreement based on a majority vote (See Contract; page two, Section 2, TERM).

Mr. Luberda receives the same benefits package provided to other non-union management employees as outlined in the City of Franklin Benefits Ordinance, with the following additions:

• Four Personal Days upon commencement of this agreement.
• City-paid cell phone.
• Upon commencement of this agreement, Mr. Luberda’s current vacation balance will be credited with on week of vacation. 
• Professional fees to be paid by the City.
• Upon termination or non-renewal of this agreement, the City will continue to pay the employee’s salary and family medical insurance for the employee for a period of six-months.

RESIDENCY

• Employee shall not be required to become a resident of the City of Franklin.

Some of you may be rightfully asking yourselves; so what are the duties and responsibilities associated with the job of Director of Administration?  The City’s website describes it this way:

The Director of Administration serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipal Corporation; leading, planning, organizing, and directing the portions of the central administration of the City of Franklin toward the fulfillment of goals and policies determined by the Common Council.The Director coordinates the day-to-day administrative activities of the City, excluding the administrative functions of the City Clerk and Finance Department, introduces new methods and procedures among City departments, and apprises the Mayor and Common Council on operating results.  The Director has the responsibility of overseeing the City's insurance program.  Read more.

Was Mark Luberda underpaid, overpaid or properly paid in 2010 when his annual salary was $108,063.39 plus benefits?  That’s a question you’ll have to answer for yourself.  Make sure to let your Alderman and Mayor Taylor know where you stand on this matter, as well.

Luberda Employment Contract (Highlighted)

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