Iredell County switches certification incentive pay from percentage to flat amounts; board approves policy update

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved an administration request to revise the county's incentive certification pay policy, converting percentage‑based incentives to fixed dollar amounts and creating a separate pay code for special teams.

County staff told commissioners the change follows a market study and an internal review of how certification pay was applied. The market review looked at pay grades, recruitment and retention (time in position and years of service), and found that percentage‑based incentives could produce unintended increases years later as base salaries rose. To address that, staff removed certification pay when running market formulas, adjusted grades and ranges where needed, and then "layered back in" fixed dollar amounts that reflect what employees were already receiving. The board approved the change by consent.

Staff said the separate pay code will be used for special teams (for example sheriff special teams or tactical units) so that when an employee opts off a team the county can precisely subtract the fixed dollar amount rather than a percentage of a then‑higher salary. The change is intended to make administration fairer, more predictable and easier to account for. Staff also noted continuing education requirements: if an employee loses a certification for failing to maintain continuing education, the county will remove the flat payment.

Commissioners asked whether the 2 percent across‑the‑board adjustment from an earlier pay action had left any employees out of range. Staff answered that the county had been "very aggressive" in prior adjustments and that the market study and a prior internal equity review had addressed many pay disparities; this incentive change is the next step.

The board directed staff to implement the revised policy and restore certification pay amounts for current employees at the exact dollar amounts calculated during staff's review. No budget amendment was required for the action; staff said costs can be covered from funds previously allocated for the market study within general governmental funds.

Commissioners approved the policy change by consent after the presentation and questions.