Capitol Commission approves 3% cost-of-living increase and a one-time 3% lump sum for staff

The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted 5-0 on Nov. 3 to apply a 3% annual cost-of-living adjustment to commission staff pay retroactive to Oct. 1, 2025, and to award a one-time lump-sum payment of 3% for this fall.

The motion was offered by Commissioner Oberlin and seconded by Commissioner Star. Chair Bill Candler called the roll; Commissioners Candler, Bauer, Land, Oberlin and Star all voted yes. The secretary announced “5 yes votes” and the motion was declared passed.

Executive Director Rob told the commission the increase is intended to help retain specialized staff whose work requires historic preservation skills and trade-specific expertise. Rob said the commission competes for employees with museums, contractors and other public-sector employers and argued the adjustment would keep wages “competitive and fair” for positions ranging from conservators and decorative painters to electricians and IT staff.

Commissioner Oberlin moved the motion, stating, “I’d like to move to apply an annual cost of living adjustment of 3% to Michigan State Capitol Commission staff pay retroactive as of 10/01/2025 and a 1 time lump sum grant of 3% for this fall.” Commissioner Star seconded the motion.

The vote was a straightforward roll call with no recorded dissents. The commission did not state an estimated fiscal impact during the meeting and no additional funding source was specified in the discussion.

Implementation steps and payroll timing were not detailed at the meeting; Rob indicated staff will handle payroll adjustments and that the commission will be notified of scheduling and any budgetary impacts.

The decision completes the personnel action taken at the Nov. 3 meeting; commissioners moved on to remaining agenda items and adjourned later in the session.