[Federal Register: October 30, 1995 (Volume 60, Number 209)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 55174-55175] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30oc95-2] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 5 CFR Part 532 RIN 3206-AH16 Prevailing Rate Systems; Abolishment of Marin-Sonoma, CA, Nonappropriated Fund Wage Area AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Office of Personnel Management is issuing interim regulations to abolish the Marin-Sonoma, CA, nonappropriated fund (NAF) Federal Wage System (FWS) wage area and redefine the two counties having continuing FWS employment (Marin and Sonoma Counties) as areas of application to the Solano, CA, NAF wage area for pay-setting purposes. No employee's wage rate will be reduced as a result of this change. DATES: This interim rule becomes effective on October 30, 1995. Comments must be received by November 29, 1995. Employees currently paid rates from the Marin-Sonoma, CA, NAF wage schedule will continue to be paid from that schedule until their conversion to the Solano, CA, NAF wage schedule one day prior to the effective date of the next Solano, CA, wage schedule to be issued. ADDRESSES: Send or deliver comments to Donald J. Winstead, Assistant Director for Compensation Policy, Human Resources Systems Service, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Room 6H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415, or FAX: (202) 606-0824. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Shields, (202) 606-2848. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Defense (DOD) recommended to the Office of Personnel Management that the Marin-Sonoma, CA, FWS NAF wage area be abolished and that the two counties having continuing FWS employment (Marin and Sonoma Counties) be added as areas of application to the Solano, CA, NAF wage area. This change is necessary because the pending closure of the Hamilton DOD Housing Facility (host activity) leaves the Marin-Sonoma wage area without an activity having the capability to conduct a wage survey. The remaining Marin-Sonoma wage area counties (Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino) have no NAF FWS employees. As required in regulation, 5 CFR 532.219, the following criteria were considered in redefining these wage areas: (1) Proximity of largest activity in each county; (2) Transportation facilities and commuting patterns; and (3) Similarities of the counties in: (i) Overall population; (ii) Private employment in major industry categories; and (iii) Kinds and sizes of private industrial establishments. While proximity favors the San Francisco wage area, distances to all the candidate wage areas are in a very close range, especially from the Coast Guard Training Center that will soon be the largest remaining activity in the counties to be redefined. Transportation facilities and commuting patterns favor San Francisco, while similarities in population, private sector employment, and industry patterns favor Solano. The Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee reviewed this recommendation and by consensus recommended approval. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B), I find that good cause exists for waiving the general notice of proposed rulemaking. Also, pursuant to section 553(d)(3) of title 5, United States Code, I find that good cause exists for making this rule effective in less than 30 days. The notice is being waived and the regulation is being made effective in less than 30 days because preparations for the 1995 Marin-Sonoma, CA, NAF wage areas survey must otherwise begin immediately. Regulatory Flexibility Act I certify that these regulations will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because they affect only Federal agencies and employees. List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 532 Administrative practice and procedure, Freedom of information, Government employees, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wages. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Lorraine A. Green, Deputy Director. Accordingly, OPM is amending 5 CFR part 532 as follows: [[Page 55175]] PART 532--PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS 1. The authority citation for part 532 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5343, 5346; Sec. 532.707 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 532 [Amended] 2. In appendix B to subpart B, the listing for the State of California is amended by removing the entry for Marin-Sonoma. 3. Appendix D to subpart B is amended by removing the wage area list for Marin-Sonoma, California, and by revising the list for Solano. California, to read as follows: Appendix D to Subpart B of Part 532--Nonappropriated Fund Wage and Survey Areas * * * * * California * * * * * Solano Survey Area California Solano Area of application. Survey area plus: California Marin (Effective date November 17, 1995) Sonoma (Effective date November 17, 1995) * * * * * [FR Doc. 95-26852 Filed 10-27-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325-01-M