In case you’re wondering about the true cost of the EEOC Mediated Settlement Agreement between the City of North Miami and Assistant Police Chief Laurence Juriga, wonder no more!

In addition to a lump sum payment of $24,990.00 in the form of “Retro” pay, Mr. Juriga’s lawyer also received $7,500.00 for all his hard work.  Together they made an instant $32,490.00.

Courtesy of North Miami taxpayers.

But, wait!  There’s MORE!

As I reported previously, “the City of North Miami agreed to give Juriga a one time salary increase to match the salary of Chief Leonard Burgess as of September 18, 2015.”  Accordingly, on September 21, 2015, Assistant Chief Juriga received an hourly pay increase from $58.88 to $61.77, or $2.89 per hour.  This amounts to a permanent annual pay raise of $5,895.60.

This increase is in addition to any future raises Mr. Juriga might earn during the remainder of his career at the North Miami Police Department.  For example, if he remains employed with the department for the next ten years, this one time increase amounts to an additional $58,956.00 that he’ll receive solely as a result of his EEOC complaint.

But, wait!  There’s MORE!

When Mr. Juriga eventually does retire, he will be entitled to receive payment for any unused sick and vacation time up to a maximum of 2,500 hours.  His $2.89 per hour increase amounts to an additional $7,225.00 payout on top of whatever hourly rate he’s being paid at the time of his retirement.

But, wait!  There’s MORE!

I also reported, “And finally, according to the terms of the Mediated Settlement Agreement, Larry Juriga gets his “health insurance benefits” paid by the City of North Miami until he turns 65.”  Currently, the City of North Miami pays $788.77 per month for Mr. Juriga’s health insurance premium.  Ordinarily, this benefit would cease once an individual no longer works for the city.

Since the Assistant Chief is only 44 years old, the city is now on the hook for the next twenty one years, regardless of when he retires.  According to the agreement, and based on today’s insurance rate alone, the City of North Miami will be responsible for Mr. Juriga’s health insurance premiums at a cost of $9,465.24 per year, for an absolute minimum of $198,770.04 for the next twenty one years.

But, wait!  There’s MORE!

Since this increase in pay and benefits is also pensionable, there will also be an increase in the city’s payroll contribution to Larry Juriga’s pension.  I do not have that figure right now, but I’m sure it’s considerable.

To recap, when Assistant Chief Larry Juriga overheard former City Manager Aleem Ghany refer to him as a “redneck” in a private telephone conversation with his wife, Juriga was able to gouge the City of North Miami for a settlement that included an immediate payment of $32,490.00, an annual salary increase of $5,895.60, an additional $7,225.00 payout at retirement, and a guaranteed minimum health insurance benefit of $198,770.04, for an immediate signing bonus payout of $244,380.64.

Well over A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS.

And counting.

Courtesy of North Miami taxpayers.

All for the privilege  of being called a “redneck.”

Imagine the possibilities!

Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”