Pulaski County postpones personnel requests, plans consultant refresher on salary study

Pulaski County’s budget committee unanimously voted to postpone consideration of personnel requests until the fall budget hearings and asked consultant McGrath to provide a refresher on the county’s salary‑study options.

Committee members said they were uncomfortable approving upgrades or new positions while the county waits for results from a comprehensive audit (an RFQ for 2022–2025 audits is due May 12) and while a county hiring freeze remains in effect. Justice Stowers, who moved to postpone the personnel requests, said the current period of uncertainty made it inappropriate to increase recurring personnel expenses.

Members discussed two components of the salary analysis: a salary scale (market structure) and an administrative policy to implement and manage the scale. Several members and staff recommended adopting a salary structure as guidance even if the county does not immediately fund across‑the‑board raises. One speaker noted that adopting a scale is a policy decision that need not immediately add salary dollars; administrative rules could be developed later.

The committee asked staff to invite McGrath back within roughly 30–45 days to review the study, explain quartiles and comparables, and report any conversations McGrath had with the executive branch that might change administrative recommendations. The motion to postpone personnel requests passed on a roll-call vote with all recorded members voting in favor.

Next steps: Hutchens and HR will coordinate to schedule a McGrath refresher and will return with updated costings and administrative proposals before the fall budget hearings.