City Council approves 16% pay increase to boost employee retention and morale

In a recent special meeting of the Angels Camp City Council, a significant focus was placed on employee retention and compensation, addressing a pressing concern for the city’s workforce. City officials discussed the challenges of retaining trained employees, particularly in light of better job offers elsewhere.

Chris, a city employee, expressed frustration over the city’s investment in training staff who then left for higher-paying positions. This issue prompted the council to reevaluate their compensation strategy. As a result, the city implemented a 16% salary increase for employees, acknowledging that they were approximately 20% under market value. This adjustment aims to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

Additionally, the council has planned for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of up to 3% in the following years to help employees keep pace with rising living costs. Feedback from employees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the changes after experiencing a decade without raises.

This proactive approach by the Angels Camp City Council not only seeks to improve employee morale but also aims to stabilize the workforce, ultimately benefiting the community by ensuring that trained and experienced staff remain in their positions. As the city continues to address these workforce challenges, the council's commitment to employee welfare reflects a broader goal of fostering a supportive and sustainable work environment.