Council workshop hears HR report that most non‑bargaining positions trail market; council seeks more analysis before approval

The Grants Pass City Council spent an extended portion of its workshop reviewing a human resources presentation on a proposed reconfiguration of the non‑bargaining salary schedule. The presenter reported that a 2024 compensation and classification study found the large majority of non‑bargaining positions are below market and that internal pay compression has increased as represented bargaining groups have received higher cost‑of‑living and incentive increases.

The presenter (identified as Mandy, human resources staff) summarized the study and explained placement principles. She said the consultant’s final October 2024 report found roughly 93% of Grants Pass non‑bargaining positions at step 1 were below the market midpoint used for comparison. She described the city’s proposed approach to step placement, which applies Oregon pay‑equity factors (seniority, merit, education/training/experience) and preserves the city’s seniority/step progression rather than simply moving every employee to the top step of a new schedule.

Mandy explained how incentive pay available to represented groups — such as certification pay, longevity pay and paramedic incentives — has widened total compensation for those employees and contributed to supervisors…