OneAZ Credit Union interview questions

A 15 min call interview with the HR. I included introductory questions. For example, Tell me something about yourself, why this role, what skills do you have and what qualities will you bring to this company.

According to their ADP workforce page, they wanted to offer anywhere from $69k-$87k. for the position I applied for. When I applied, I put in $90k in the box that asked for desired salary thinking they might be willing to negotiate. They did an initial screening interview. The lady that interviewed me was kind and friendly, at the end of our call, she mentioned "you are looking at a $90k salary for this position is that correct?" I said yes. She responded "good to know ". I was proceeded into a 2nd and third interview phase. I spent lots of time preparing for these interviews. Both interviews went well and I felt comfortable . The employees were very friendly and it seems like they have a great work environment. A week later they called and gave me an offer at the lowest end on the job description at $70K. Even though I made it clear to them on my application and in the first interview that $90k is what I was looking at. As a sidenote, I have been working professionally in my field for about 10 years and have never been let go or laid off any of the previous companies I have worked for. I countered them at $85k. They sent me a new offer at only 75K with a $5000 sign on bonus. I then disclosed that this is less than what I make with my current work situation. I countered again at $80k with no sign on bonus. They did also mention a 10% performance bonus so I went down in price; hoping they would meet me half way. OneAZ declined again and said they would not go above $75k. We were at an impass and thats where I ended up officially declining at the salary they offered me. MY CONCLUSIONS What was peculiar about this experience was the fact they lowballed me at the minimum amount on the job description at the end of all the interviews, even though I made it clear to them from the start that $90k is what i was looking for. Why didn't they make a careful assessment from the info on my resume and application and then screen me because my offer was too high for them, or at the very least make it clear in our first interview that they were looking at around $70K. I felt my time was wasted. I spent lots of time preparing and showing up for these interviews. I really wish I could have accepted this position at the salary they offered me. It really does seem like a great company to work for. However; Phoenix is becoming an expensive city to live in and with a new mortgage on a small home, using only one car, and having to put food on the table for a baby and my(currently) stay at home wife, $75k on W2(before taxes) is not sustainable long term for my lifestyle. I really wish more companies would invest in raising their salaries so they would retain their workforce more long term, rather than allocating that same money to recruitment. It feels to me as if the latter is what OneAZ's strategy is, at least, after my interview experience.