Donald Long of Management Advisory Group told the Walker County Commissioners Court on Jan. 12 that the county’s 2022 compensation and classification study covered 353 positions and 115 job titles and produced a 159‑page report recommending unified pay ranges and market adjustments.

Long said the study brought employees at least to pay‑range minimums in 2022 and estimated an annualized implementation cost of about $1,800,000 for 270 positions — roughly 10% of payroll at the time. He recommended updating employee data, reviewing current job descriptions and running multiple implementation scenarios so the court could select an affordable approach with a target for implementation in July 2026. "We would then run implementation or what we call transition cost, with a formula and a software that we've used for over 20 years," Long said.

Several commissioners described recruitment and retention problems for public‑safety and EMS positions and said surrounding jurisdictions are offering higher starting pay. One commissioner urged the court to prioritize the work in this year’s budget so Walker County can compete with neighboring counties. Commissioners asked staff (including the treasurer’s office) to work with Management Advisory Group and return updated numbers and scenarios before budget hearings.

The court did not adopt an immediate funding commitment on Jan. 12 but moved the item as a high budget priority and directed staff to present implementation cost options for the 2026 budget process.

The consultant’s presentation and the commissioners’ comments set staff follow‑ups: an exchange of current employee data to update market comparisons, a review of job descriptions and modeled implementation scenarios that include options recognizing employee longevity and staged increases. The court agreed to revisit the issue at a later meeting once the updated cost estimates are available.