Reilly’s good grades may bring raise

Adrienne Packer

Friday, Aug. 2, 2002 | 10:55 a.m.

Equipped with favorable performance reviews from peers, employees and customers, Clark County Manager Thom Reilly reportedly will request a 10 percent raise Tuesday during his first-year evaluation.

If the raise is granted during the board's closed-door session, Reilly's salary would be upped to $176,000 a year.

For the first time in county history, the manager was required to have a "360 evaluation" during which consultants interviewed Reilly's peers, managers who report to him, customers and employees who do not report directly to him.

When Reilly was hired last July, replacing Dale Askew, he recommended the thorough review and vowed to make the results available to the public.

"We've accomplished a lot this year and enjoy working for county and commissioners," Reilly said. "I thought the feedback (from the 360 evaluation) was good. It looks at your impact throughout the community."

Perhaps one of Reilly's more significant accomplishments was the organizational review of county departments. By shuffling departments to make services more efficient, Reilly eliminated six positions. The move saves the county $700,000 annually.

The number of employee grievances is also dropping, the report says.

Reilly inherited his share of troubles. He recently assigned Aviation Director Randy Walker to supervise the over-budget and late Regional Justice Center.

Reilly's salary was controversial when he was hired. Some commissioners pushed for a salary of $193,000 -- more than $30,000 more than his predecessor. The board finally settled on $160,000.

Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who was a strong supporter of Askew's and was initially troubled by the process to replace him, said Reilly is deserving of a 10 percent raise.

"Whenever you come into a situation where there is polarization on the commission regarding the predecessor, it makes it difficult," Woodbury said. "I told Thom he's done an outstanding job. He's shown a lot of energy and he's been innovative. He's fair, honest and dedicated to the county."