Bonner County officials are advocating for a review of employee pay rates every two to three years, emphasizing the need for timely adjustments to align with market standards. During a recent budget workshop, concerns were raised about the current five-year gap between pay reviews, which some commissioners believe is too lengthy.

Commissioner Williams highlighted the importance of regularly assessing salaries to prevent discrepancies that arise when employees compare their pay to market rates. The discussion centered around the need for a structured approach to salary reviews, particularly for elected officials, to ensure fair compensation and retention of qualified staff.

A specific proposal was made to increase the prosecutor's salary to $157,300, aligning it with a higher pay grade while allowing room for future growth. This adjustment aims to prevent the county from falling behind in compensation, which could lead to challenges in attracting and retaining talent.

The conversation also touched on the experience levels of current staff, with a focus on ensuring that pay scales reflect the qualifications and tenure of employees. The commissioners expressed a commitment to maintaining consistency within the county's pay structure, advocating for a more proactive approach to human resources practices.

As Bonner County prepares for its upcoming budget cycle, these discussions underscore the importance of addressing compensation issues to foster a stable and effective workforce. The proposed changes are expected to be further evaluated as the county moves forward with its budget planning.