The Board adopted a modified merit pay table for county employees aimed at slowing progression through the midpoints of pay ranges. County HR staff and the auditor presented analysis showing that most employees fall in the middle two columns of the pay-range grid and that reverting some percentage points would reduce the average merit increase from 2.88% to 2.26%, approximately a $620 per‑employee difference based on last year’s data.
Staff noted the highest column for new hires retained a faster progression so recently hired employees continue to advance more quickly while more tenured employees progress at a slower curve. Commissioners discussed the study background and the merits of a performance‑based increase system; the board voted to adopt the recommended table. The auditor said department heads will continue to apply performance reviews and that the county can adjust the cost‑of‑living component separately as budget conditions change.