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Select Board awards $19,500 compensation study contract to MRI of Plymouth
Summary
After reviewing four bids, the Kingston Select Board voted 4-1 to award a compensation and benefits study contract to MRI of Plymouth for $19,500, within the board's $20,000 budget; discussions acknowledged a higher-cost alternative (PayPoint) that board members said might offer more tailored analysis but would exceed current available budget.
The Kingston Select Board voted 4-1 on June 2 to award a contract for a townwide compensation and benefits study to MRI of Plymouth, New Hampshire, for $19,500.
Laurie, who led the board's review of proposals, described a side-by-side comparison of four vendors that submitted responsive bids (MRI, PayPoint, McGrath, Evergreen Solutions). Laurie said the town had budgeted $20,000 and that MRI's proposal fit within that budget while other proposals, particularly PayPoint, were substantially higher.
Board members discussed differences in scope and experience. Laurie told the board that MRI proposed a New Hampshire-focused approach and listed comparable local towns. Other firms offered more data-driven or software-supported solutions; one board member, advocating for the higher-cost PayPoint option, said PayPoint's proposal appeared more tailored but acknowledged the town would need to find roughly $8,500 extra to choose it.
Alan and others said budget constraints weighed heavily in the decision. "I just I just haven't been able to think where [the extra funds] would come from at this point in the year," Alan said, explaining his vote against the higher-priced option.
A motion to award the contract to MRI of Plymouth for $19,500 was moved and seconded; the board approved the award by roll call, four in favor and one opposed. The board asked staff to contact MRI immediately so work could begin in time to inform the town's upcoming budget process.
The board will use the consultant's report to consider any phased or fiscal impacts and to inform budgeting and potential pay implementation plans.
