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Waynesville council approves $10,000 targeted compensation study to address high public-works turnover
Summary
Council approved a $10,000 HR engagement to study compensation for water, sewer and electric public-works positions after staff reported a 39.76% turnover rate (roughly 30–37 separations of 83 positions); the study will be allocated across enterprise funds and integrated into a future organization-wide review.
The Town of Waynesville approved a targeted HR consulting engagement to study compensation for key public-works positions after staff reported an elevated turnover rate in the department.
A town presenter asked for approval to hire consultant Lisa Delaine Honeycutt for a roughly 80-hour engagement over 11 weeks at $125 per hour, with an estimated total of $10,000 plus expenses to be split across the water, sewer and electric enterprise funds. The presenter said the public-works turnover rate was 39.76% in the current calendar year as of Oct. 17, representing "about 30 between 35 and 37" separations of 83 positions, and that nine vacancies existed as of the current week. Staff said several departures cited pay as a key reason and noted retirements and other personal reasons also contributed.
Councilmembers pressed on speed and scope; one member asked whether a full organization-wide compensation study should be pursued. Staff said they have already discussed bringing a proposal for an organization-wide study later and that the public-works analysis would be integrated into a holistic review. Council voted to approve the targeted $10,000 study by voice vote.
