HWMA updates board on new salary study; Gallagher Consulting chosen as consultant

The Humboldt Waste Management Authority board received an update on its upcoming compensation study and was told Gallagher Consulting (formerly Koff & Associates) was selected to conduct the survey.

Staff member Stach briefed the board on the authority's compensation history, noting the authority's first formal compensation study took place in fiscal year 2019–20 and was led by Koff & Associates. That 2020 report used a total-compensation metric and found nearly 70% of the authority's job classifications were below the market median when adjusted for regional costs, which led to a rework of job descriptions and pay scales implemented in the 2020–21 budget.

Stach said proposals from qualified consultants were obtained in July 2025 and Gallagher Consulting was chosen that same month. Staff began preparing job descriptions and salary schedules and started survey data collection in September; staff projects data collection to conclude in mid-November and the final report and recommendations to be done by January 2026. The board will receive the study and recommendations at either the January or February HWMA board meeting, after which any direction given by the board would be incorporated into the fiscal year 2026–27 budget.

Director Castellano asked about anticipated yields of the investment item earlier on the agenda and then asked here about which reserves would be moved; Stach confirmed operating reserves would remain in LAIF and that the capital improvement and other funds were candidates for CLASS subaccounts. Board members and a public commenter praised Koff & Associates' prior work, noting the firm performed comprehensive studies for similar small agencies.

Board members discussed whether multiple local jurisdictions could jointly conduct or share the cost of compensation studies. Stach and board members said comparisons across jurisdictions can be challenging because cities and authorities differ in service mix (for example, water/sewer or law enforcement) and benefits packages were an important component of total compensation in prior studies. The board did not take action on the survey update; it was an informational item and the study remains underway.

The board indicated it will review the final report early next year and then decide on any budgetary changes for 2026–27.