The Department of Corrections uses an automatic formula which inflates salaries of all promoted employees and new hires above minimum levels set by the State Personnel Board. For the period January 1, 1992, to February 1, 1993, this practice cost $123,990 above minimum levels.
Although PEER suggests some of the costs may be justified, the State Personnel Board approved the extra expense without forcing the Department of Corrections to justify why the higher salaries were needed. (PEER suggests that the Personnel Board may be permitting the same unjustified expenses in other state agencies.)
The Department of Corrections also has not properly implemented the state’s Employee Performance Appraisal System and does not apply performance appraisals when raising an employee’s salary after promotion.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.