I think they really do look at all the things that are important to most people. Standard pay is based on a survey of 11 comparable cities nationwide. Customer-oriented and trade employees are reviewed by internal and external customers. For example, a maintenance worker might fill out a survey on service, speed, friendliness and access to the purchasing department. Customer service representatives could be graded by city residents looking for maps or paying a bill.
Employees review their managers, then each manager looks over the scores and devises an action plan.
Reviewers and managers discuss scores and finalize the plan, which is a road map for the coming year. I was pleasantly surprised. They all felt they could be open and honest with me, and that allowed them to disagree with me and we could work things through. Volunteers to city committees helped decide on the design of police cars and uniforms. Bicycle patrols, near the top of the Police Department's wish list along with additional policemen, offer flexibility and visibility in St. Peters neighborhoods.