Employees urge board to pause HR reclassification plan as staff explains 'Y‑rated' protections and step increases

Multiple county employees addressed the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 about a classification study and proposed salary‑range and pay plan amendments that appeared on the consent calendar (items 9 and 10). Several public speakers asked the board to table the recommendations and direct Human Resources to revisit the study with independent review and more department input.

Human Resources Director Jamie Russell told the board HR has been in contact with affected employees and will meet with departments including Planning & Building. Russell said many employees will benefit from the study but acknowledged the concern of those who do not. Russell explained the term "Y‑rated": employees with current pay above the new market rate have their current salary frozen until the market catch‑up occurs; staff provided a schedule of phased step increases for affected employees (35 employees Y‑rated; 14 will get a step increase in the next evaluation; steps are 5 percent and employees also received a 3 percent across‑the‑board increase effective July 1).

Speakers representing Planning & Building described problems with the classification study process—timing near holidays, voluntary desk questionnaire format, and lack of detailed comparators— and asked the board to delay approval so HR can reexamine the recommendations. The board left the HR items on the consent calendar for approval but staff committed to continued outreach with concerned employees.

Sources: public comment and Human Resources presentation during the Nov. 4 board meeting.