Routt County approves reclassification and pay-scale changes for Yampa Valley Regional Airport restaurant and retail staff

Routt County commissioners approved organizational and pay‑scale changes Oct. 21 for restaurant and retail operations at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (YVRA), including the creation of a culinary and retail superintendent position, a culinary and retail manager position, and adjustments to the restaurant operations manager pay scale. The changes are scheduled to take effect Nov. 1, 2025.

Airport and human resources staff said the reclassifications align job titles and pay with the scope of work, address market competitiveness, and prepare staff for growth tied to a terminal expansion and an aviation business park. The county said hiring and classification changes were included in the proposed 2026 budget; staff noted a slight increase to 2025 personnel expenditures (about $4,420) will be offset by departmental vacancy savings.

Under the change, the existing general manager role for restaurant and retail (Jennifer) would be reclassified to culinary and retail superintendent to reflect expanded strategic and airport‑wide leadership responsibilities. The board also approved creating a culinary and retail manager to provide operational oversight of multi‑unit food, beverage, catering and retail programs. Staff said two exempt positions will exist at the superintendent and manager levels, with other hourly positions remaining.

Commissioners asked about an organizational chart, reporting lines and how exempt comp‑time/compensation would be handled; HR staff said job descriptions are approved by HR and that positions not being simple reclassifications will be posted internally per county policy. The board approved the changes by voice vote; staff indicated any remaining 2025 cost will be covered by vacancy savings in the airport budget.