Weslaco authorizes comprehensive pay study for non‑sworn employees; legal team to review CBA ‘me‑too’ clause

The Weslaco City Commission on Wednesday authorized staff to solicit RFQs for a comprehensive compensation study of non‑sworn city employees and directed the city attorney to analyze collective-bargaining contract language that could trigger additional obligations.

City management told the commission a robust, outsourced study would compare job descriptions, market benchmarks, longevity and certification pay and provide five-year compensation benchmarks. Staff estimated that an external consultant’s study could take about three months and cost in the low five figures; prior local studies ranged from about $9,000 to $12,000.

Commissioners stressed the importance of comparing positions on an “apples-to-apples” basis given differences in duties among similar job titles across municipalities. Several commissioners also asked staff to include potential incentive structures (seniority, certification, education pay) that might avoid permanently increasing base pay and thereby triggering “me-too” clauses in police and fire unions.

The commission approved a motion to issue RFQs for a comprehensive study and asked the city manager and city attorney to prepare options on dealing with the CBA “me-too” clause and to coordinate with the consultant when selected.

Why it matters: Officials said competitive pay and retention of skilled laborers (CDL drivers, heavy-equipment operators and other public-works staff) is a priority to sustain city operations and reduce turnover.

Next steps: Staff will solicit RFQs, evaluate proposals, and return with a recommended consultant and legal options for dealing with collective-bargaining implications.