Wyoming council approves 3% COLA and 4% market adjustment for nonunion staff

The Wyoming City Council on Nov. 19 approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a 4% market adjustment for nonunion city employees effective for 2025.

City staff said the council authorized DDA (David Drow and Associates) to perform a market compensation study comparing Wyoming to 15 peer cities. "The results of this market analysis...stating that we're 2% below the min and 5% below the max in regards to overall for our employees," said Mr. Linwood, summarizing the consultant's findings. Staff and the planning commission recommended a 4% market adjustment for nonunion positions.

The measure was moved by Mayor Iverson and seconded by a council member. Member Yeager said he was "okay with giving a COLA" but was "uncomfortable with the market adjustment," noting the data showed differences within 5% and questioned its statistical significance. Member Luker said the increase is important for retention, noting employees need to be able to "pay their bills." On a voice vote the council approved the combined 3% COLA and 4% market adjustment; the motion carried with one recorded "Nay."

The study and proposed changes were previously presented at a work session and by Tess Melvin, who provided the market analysis to the council. Council members who spoke said the adjustments align with past practices to keep nonbargaining and bargaining pay competitive.

The action directs staff to implement the COLA and market adjustments for 2025 payroll and to reflect the changes in the city's compensation schedules. No further procedural steps were announced at the meeting.