07/10/2003

You need to know about two projects that have the potential for enormous impact.

UT compensation study - I've heard that you should be careful what you wish for. I've often thought that UT should make some use internally of the consulting skills we have at MTAS. Well. . . UT has asked that we perform an assessment of the UT compensation system (everyone but faculty). I've asked Pat and Mike to manage this large (over 1,600 hours) consulting assignment. Working with them will be: Dick, Rick, Ron, Ralph, David, Don, Margaret, Frances, Becky, Leah, and maybe others. Pat and Mike will start next week with a meeting with UT human resources and then the project will get underway.

It's a huge project and will last until January 2004. We will be compensated for the time we devote to the project. It's an opportunity to show the rest of UT the skills we have. Most important, it's a chance to make some real improvements to the UT compensation system. It's exciting, but I must remember to be careful what I wish for.

Bingham Consultant - Last March I sent you a copy of the RFP for the next Bingham Consultant. We were looking for someone to identify new revenue sources for Tennessee cities. We have selected John Campbell, former CM in Johnson City, as the next Bingham Consultant. He's starting now and will complete the project in October. Our goal is to have the work done in time for TML to use it in the 2004 legislative session. If you have any ideas for new tax sources, please email me and I'll send them to John. John will ask us for feedback at several points in his research.