City manager: wage study launched; preliminary findings due in April and final report by June

City Manager Michael Moore told the Fond du Lac City Council on March 12, 2025, that the city has begun a comprehensive wage study intended to inform the 2026 budget.

Moore said the city issued a request for proposals after the new year, received interest from seven firms, and selected a consultant in January. He said the city’s annual payroll is approximately $34,000,000 and the study will cover 169 nonunion positions as well as part-time positions and library staff. The consultant has surveyed 15 other cities in Wisconsin and met with department heads.

Moore said the timeline calls for preliminary results in April and a final report in June, which would align with the council’s June budget discussions; he and Finance Director Miss Davy typically present budget materials on the second meeting in June. Moore said the study’s purpose is to “validate the various professions in our employee[s]” and determine whether the city is paying competitive compensation as it faces more vacancies and fewer applicants in some roles.

Councilmember Mullen asked whether benefits and other amenities were included. Moore responded, “It’s total compensation,” indicating the consultant will consider pay and benefits together. Councilmember Heisler praised staff and the selection process and said he looked forward to reviewing the data.

Moore told the council the selection team reviewed proposals thoroughly and emphasized the firm’s outreach to department heads and use of comparative city surveys. He said the report would be included in time to inform any pay adjustments the city might finance in the 2026 budget.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was an informational update and the council opened the item for questions before moving to other business.