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Walla Walla council adopts 2025 non‑represented salary schedule after debate, 5‑2
Summary
Council adopted ordinance 2024‑32 setting a 3% COLA for 82 non‑represented employees and market adjustments affecting about 35 employees; council split 5‑2 on broader market upgrades after debate over budgets and equity.
The Walla Walla City Council on Dec. 4 adopted ordinance 2024‑32 to adopt the 2025 non‑represented salary schedule, including a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) effective Jan. 1, 2025, and market adjustments recommended by an external compensation study.
HR Director Pam Taylor presented the schedule and recommendations, saying the study—conducted every five years—adjusted 32 pay ranges and that 35 employees would be eligible for market adjustments. "There are 82 employees in the non represented group," Taylor said, and "this review resulted in the adjustment of 32 pay ranges or classifications." Taylor explained that the change is intended to address recruitment challenges in engineering and supervisory roles and to preserve internal equity.
Council discussion ranged from support for a systematic, policy‑driven approach to salary setting to concerns about timing and budget pressure. Several councilmembers noted the city's obligation to comply with Washington's exempt salary thresholds and the need to retain institutional knowledge. The council approved the ordinance by a 5‑2 vote.
Budget staff said the proposal's total impact had been included in the city manager's balanced budget. Staff cited a total cost for the salary study adjustments of $9,100,479 (with $66,439 to the general fund noted earlier in the discussion and $25,040 to enterprise funds for the specific adjustment example), and staff said all 82 non‑represented employees would receive the 3% COLA.
