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McFarland raises public works pay ranges; council cites retention concerns
Summary
The council adopted targeted pay rate adjustments for specified public works positions to close a roughly 2.5% market gap; staff estimated a $15,000 fiscal‑year impact covered by current vacancies.
The McFarland City Council on April 28 approved targeted pay rate adjustments for specified public works classifications to improve recruitment and retention.
City staff presented a market analysis showing several public works positions were approximately 2.5 percent or more below market averages. Staff proposed targeted pay adjustments and an updated salary range schedule to close identified wage gaps and support workforce stability for operations and maintenance of city infrastructure. Staff estimated the financial impact for the remainder of the fiscal year at approximately $15,000 across multiple city funds and said current vacancies mean no immediate budget adjustment is required.
Council members discussed the city’s benefits package and recruitment pressures in the region. Vice Mayor Rick Connell and other council members emphasized the need to retain qualified staff while avoiding unsustainable competition with larger neighboring agencies. Staff told the council adjustments would take effect immediately upon approval.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the updated salary schedule. The motion was moved by Vice Mayor Rick Connell and seconded by Council Member Perez; the clerk recorded aye votes from Mayor Arion, Vice Mayor Connell, Councilor Gonzales, Council Member Perez and Council Member Martin Gutierrez.
