Consultant tells Pulaski County court salary schedule lags market; recommends opening ranges, annual adjustments and HR oversight

Victoria McGrath, CEO of McGrath Human Resources Group, presented a countywide salary study to the Pulaski County Quorum Court during the Aug. 26, 2025 meeting, outlining findings and recommendations to address recruitment and retention concerns.

Why it matters: McGrath said Pulaski County's current salary schedules cap pay at the midpoint. That practice, the consultant said, compresses pay, reduces promotion and retention incentives and leaves incumbent employees with limited earning pathways compared with external market competitors. The court heard the report and was advised to review materials before the budget committee considers funding options.

Key findings presented

- Workforce age mix and turnover risk: McGrath reported that 39% of the county workforce is under age 40 and about 38% is over age 50, a mix that poses near-term retention and recruitment challenges.

- Market alignment: The consultant said roughly 84% of the county's midpoints and 86% of its maximums are below average market rates for comparable jurisdictions; many employees are being hired at market midpoints rather than the minimum, limiting upward movement.

- Structure and compression: The county uses…