HR steering committee asks commissioners to approve RFP for independent wage study

Representatives of Natrona County’s HR steering committee told commissioners the county’s last comprehensive wage study was in February 2007 and that earlier surveys showed the county was not competitive for a substantial portion of jobs. The committee told the board it has spent months updating job descriptions and asked permission to issue an RFP seeking an independent third‑party wage study to benchmark pay, ensure pay equity and inform future budget and retention work.

The presenters said an outside vendor would bring validated, unbiased market comparisons and expertise in compensation and classification. Committee members and commissioners discussed previous costs for outside studies: one commissioner recalled a past project that cost in the low‑to‑mid six figures; another noted Campbell County’s recent two‑year project cost about $150,000. The presenters said they had already compiled updated job descriptions from departments and that issuing an RFP now would produce cost estimates in time for next year’s budget process.

Several commissioners expressed support for an independent study while noting timing and budget implications. Commissioners asked that the HR steering committee continue refining job descriptions and provide sample job descriptions and a proposed budget range for the study so the board can consider funding as part of next fiscal year planning. The committee requested the RFP authorization be started now so procurement timelines align with budget development; staff said an RFP would not necessarily require an immediate appropriation but would give the county time to evaluate proposals and include a requested amount in next year’s budget.

No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; commissioners generally indicated support for proceeding to an RFP and asked staff to return with budget estimates once proposals come in.