Kerr County completes salary study recommending pay structure adjustments for governmental employees

Kerr County officials are taking significant steps to update the county's pay structure, which has not undergone a comprehensive review since 2019. During a recent budget workshop, a salary study presentation highlighted the need for adjustments to ensure fair compensation for county employees.

The study, which involved data collection from 20 organizations—including 16 counties and three cities—revealed that Kerr County's average wages are approximately 30% above the market average. This positive finding indicates that the county has been proactive in adjusting pay rates, keeping pace with wage inflation for many positions. However, the current pay system, which operates on a step-based structure, has its drawbacks.

Experts noted that while the step system provides predictability for employees regarding pay raises, it does not adequately reflect market conditions over time. As a result, some positions are overpaid while others, particularly those experiencing high wage inflation, are underpaid. For instance, while the sheriff's department has managed to keep salaries competitive, road maintenance jobs have lagged behind due to faster market changes.

The workshop underscored the importance of adapting the pay structure to better align with current economic realities. Officials discussed the need to maintain the existing pay grades while also considering adjustments to ensure that recruitment and retention of employees remain viable. The county's broad pay range, which can complicate hiring for lower-level positions, was also a point of concern.

As Kerr County moves forward with these recommendations, the focus will be on creating a more standardized and equitable pay system that reflects both the needs of the county and the realities of the job market. This initiative aims to enhance employee satisfaction and ensure that the county remains competitive in attracting and retaining talent.