Raleigh, N.C. – The number of local government workers at the municipal level in North Carolina grew at nearly twice the rate of private sector workers, and also outpaced the state’s population growth, over a recent ten-year period, according to an analysis released today by the Civitas Institute.
Additionally, the average municipal worker salary in North Carolina is 4.5 percent higher than the average private sector employee salary. According to 2007 United States Census Bureau statistics, the typical municipal worker’s salary was $40,463 compared to the $38,623 yearly salary of those employed in the private sector.
“The latest information regarding local government employee growth underscores the concerns of government growth at all levels: federal, state and local,” according to Civitas Policy Analyst Brian Balfour.
Data from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission reveals that from 1997-2007 the number of municipal government employees grew by 20.1 percent while the private sector workforce increased by only 11.5 percent. Furthermore, the state’s population grew by 18.4 percent during that time period, meaning the rise of municipal workers surpassed that of statewide population growth.
“This unsustainable expansion of government payrolls will continue to be felt not only in the short-term, but also looking ahead as obligatory retiree benefits and pensions must be funded. Such demands will force resources away from local priorities such as roads and police,” added Balfour.
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