Now retired former Fire Chief Mike O’Connor received the largest payout among 10 Hollister employees who accepted an early “separation” incentive, according to data provided by the city.
O’Connor, with 25 years of service to the city, was set to receive a total of $78,286 that includes the early separation bonus, sick and other leave compensation, and vacation pay. Hollister council members this week agreed to hire former, retired Fire Chief Bill Garringer as interim chief following O’Connor’s recent departure.
O’Connor’s most recently reported annual salary was $123,878, according to data reported to the state for the 2013 year. As part of the so-called “3 percent at 50” formula applied to firefighters such as O’Connor, he will make 75 percent of his highest salary—three multiplies by his years of service, 25—in retirement through a CalPERS pension. He was eligible to retire at age 50.
Five other fire department employees made more money than the fire chief during the 2013 calendar year, according to the state data. One fire captain made $145,872 in 2013 and was the city’s fifth highest-paid employee that year.
Other city employees or former employees receiving the early separation payouts were set to get total payments—including the other, varying payouts as well—ranging from $32,530 to $54,321. That $54,321 amount is allocated for outgoing City Clerk Geri Johnson, with 30 years of service.
Council members in November unanimously approved the “Voluntary Separation Incentive Program” offering participants a lump sum of $25,000 plus $500 for each year of service with the city. They OK’d a $497,858 allocation for the payouts and other costs, such as the vacation accruals. The payouts ended up totaling about $462,000.
The city’s finance department provided the payout information in response to a records request from the Free Lance.
Employees receiving the same types of payouts include:
Joseph Arballo: 20 years of service; $39,600 payout
Dario Casarino, 17 years of service; $33,500 payout
Josie Cruz: 15 years of service; $32,530 payout
Julian Gaytan: 39 years of service; $54,223 payout
James Hart: 12 years of service; $42,347 payout
Michael O’Connor: 25 years of service; $78,286 payout
Ramon Rojas: 34 years of service; $51,465 payout
Steve Vining: 14 years of service; $39,203 payout
Two employees will be leaving before the end of the fiscal year. Their approximate payouts are:
Charlene Hannibal: 16 years of service; $37,735 payout
Geri Johnson: 30 years of service; $54,321 payout
