Commissioners approve one-step pay increase for county employees totaling about $569,000

The St. Mary's County Board of County Commissioners approved a one-step compensation increase for county employees during its March 10 budget work session, a change county staff estimated would raise recurring personnel costs by roughly $569,000 for the general fund.

Commissioner Todd Morgan moved the compensation action, outlining the proposal as a one-step increase and an added $1,000 top-of-grade stipend for employees at the top of their grade. "Make the motion that we grant to our employees a 1 step increase for next year. There'll be a $1,000 increase over the 2,014th amount for those out of grade," Morgan said. Commissioner Daniel L. Morris seconded the motion. The board voted in favor by voice vote and the president announced the motion carried.

County staff explained the estimate reflects a net general-fund effect because several grant-funded positions were already accounted for. The board directed staff to apply the change in the FY2015 recommended budget; staff said step and benefit adjustments would be reconciled with grant budgets and health-benefit assumptions during final budget preparation.

Commissioners discussed scope: the step program applies to county employees and elected-official offices and was described by staff as including deputies and other county positions; it does not change the underlying pay ranges (minimums and maximums) but moves employees one step within existing grade structures. Commissioners also discussed possible separate treatment of hourly employees and the potential impact of state or regional minimum-wage changes.

The board instructed staff to carry the one-step adjustment forward in the recommended budget and to return with final numbers when the board meets again to reconcile revenues and other items ahead of the public hearing.