Commissioners approve multiple SOC pay adjustments across departments

Commissioners approved a range of SOC pay adjustments across county departments during the meeting, citing years of service, increased responsibilities and training. Planning staff requested raising a small-wastewater specialist's salary from $59,100 to $64,100 (an $5,000 increase, about 8.6%), noting the employee's 15 years of service and mentoring role; the board approved the adjustment.

Other approved adjustments included raising a Lander-area foreman from $50,900 to $62,000 and a Riverton foreman to $61,500. The board also approved an increase for a level-four mechanic from $57,500 to $60,500. County administration presented an SOC adjustment for the administrative assistant (who has taken on web, budget, Zoom and SOC work) from $46,000 to $52,500; that motion passed. The assessor's office sought multiple increases totaling an additional $16,900 to cover raises for appraisers and a GIS coordinator given new responsibilities; commissioners approved the set of adjustments after discussion about job definitions, cross-training and budget timing.

Commissioners discussed the county's $300,000 SOC adjustment pool and asked department heads to track cumulative SOC actions during the budget year to avoid end-of-year shortfalls. "We had a budget of around $300,000 this year for SOC adjustments... it would be nice this calendar year to have some sort of running total of what we're doing here," one commissioner said. The motions to approve these changes were moved, seconded and passed during the meeting.

Why it matters: The adjustments recognize retention and talent-development needs but have cumulative budget implications. Commissioners asked department heads and budget staff to monitor SOC spending and report mid-year to inform budget amendments if needed.