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Board debates pay strategy; staff directed to model multiple scenarios
Summary
Supervisors debated options including a flat $3,000 bump for employees under $60,000, a 5% across‑the‑board raise, and targeted increases for certain elected offices; staff (Trish) was directed to run budget models and return numbers next week.
The Humboldt County Board opened an extended discussion on employee compensation and possible changes for the upcoming budget. Proposals included a flat dollar increase for employees earning under $60,000 (suggested $3,000), a straight 5% across‑the‑board raise, and targeted 5% increases for positions difficult to fill (engineer and sheriff). One supervisor proposed 3% for the county attorney and smaller adjustments for the board.
Advocates for a flat bump said it helps lower‑paid employees more meaningfully, while others favored a simple percentage for ease of administration. Supervisors also discussed how comp‑time and overtime cause large apparent disparities when comparing wages across counties. Several members emphasized the need to compare local positions to similar counties and to consider retention risks: "If you talk to any business in town, trying to hire good people is hard, very hard," one supervisor said.
Rather than take final action, the board directed staff (Trish) to run several scenarios — including the $3,000 flat bump for those under $60,000, a 5% across‑the‑board option, and targeted adjustments for key positions — and to return with the budgetary impact by the next meeting. The board clarified part‑time treatment and asked for totals for full‑ and part‑time employees.
