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Commission approves compensation study and shift to salary range structure
Summary
The Board authorized implementation of a market-based compensation structure recommended by Valiant, including a consultant cost to update payroll tables so the new ranges can be applied in the July pay period.
The San Juan County Commission approved implementing a compensation study and new salary-range structure recommended by consulting firm Valiant, a change staff described as replacing the county’s long-standing grade-and-step system.
Melissa Wood, Deputy HR officer, presented the recommended salary structures and an addendum with modest modifications for fire and sheriff divisions. Wood told commissioners the changes are intended to “allow a lot more freedom ... for members coming into the county and in promotions and increases to be better allocated instead of stuck to ... a particular pay.” She said the county’s estimated total cost to bring all employees up to new minimums remains below the initial projection and recited a revised figure during the presentation.
In discussion, the county manager explained the timing: the commission was being asked to approve implementation in advance of the usual May budget workshop so the new table changes could be effective the first pay period of the fiscal year (the county referenced July 6). Staff said a one-time consultant engagement (approximately $6,000) will be needed to update the county’s enterprise payroll tables in Tyler Technologies so payroll will run correctly when the new structures go live.
Commissioners moved and seconded the motion to approve implementation of the Valiant compensation study and associated technical work; the motion passed by voice vote. Commissioners and staff described the change as intended to improve internal and external pay equity and provide clearer career progression paths for county employees.
The consultant engagement and updated salary structures are to be implemented by HR and the payroll/finance team; staff said department heads worked with Valiant on small adjustments for the fire and sheriff pay structures prior to the commission vote.
