The Neenah Common Council on Aug. 20 approved a motion to adjust command staff pay so the previous stipend is incorporated into base pay, retroactive to July 1, 2025. The motion, made by Alderman Steiner and seconded by Alderman Erickson, passed 9‑0.

Director Fairchild explained the change is intended to eliminate an annual pay‑period anomaly that sometimes caused command staff to see a pay decrease in the final pay period of the year after adjustments. Under the new approach the stipend will be applied as a standard pay rate rather than as a separate annual stipend.

Alderman Pulno asked whether the change also creates a new pay structure for command staff going forward; Director Fairchild confirmed the city will move to a standard pay plan and will review command staff placement during the city’s market salary survey. Alderman Ellis urged the city to provide comparative market information to the council as the larger pay‑and‑classification work continues through 2026 and 2027.

Council members said the change is intended to reduce confusion and help retain staff; the council will consider broader market results during future compensation review work. The motion passed on an electronic vote, 9 to 0.