The pay and fringe benefits of Federal and District of Columbia employees are interrelated. Most District employees are covered by Federal pay and retirement systems, and some Federal law enforcement personnel participate in the District's pay and retirement systems for its police and firemen.

Each Government should control the nature, level, and costs of its employees' compensation. The Federal law enforcement personnel participating in the District's pay and retirement system receive higher pay and have much better retirement benefits than comparable Federal civil service employees. The District's retirement system is more costly than that of the Federal Government, but participating employees contribute less than their Federal counterparts. The Federal protective services employees' compensation should be equitable and consistent with that provided to other Federal law enforcement personnel. The District should establish its own employee compensation system so that compensation is consistent with local management objectives and affordable for District residents.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter: The Mayor and City Council should establish new pay and fringe benefit systems for District employees now subject to Federal civil service systems. Congress should: amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to provide that the District government establish its own pay and benefit policies and systems for District employees now covered by Federal systems; and require the Civil Service Commission, Office of Management and Budget, and the District government to study and report on the desirability of transferring District employees covered by the Federal retirement system to a District administered and controlled retirement system or retaining them in the Federal system.

Status: Closed

Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.