Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County outlines 'way forward' pay study to retain staff; vacancies may fund some increases
Summary
County HR and finance staff described a countywide salary-study 'way forward' April 27 that would add a 3% COLA plus step increases and reclassifications intended to improve retention; staff said some vacancies will be used to offset costs but final decisions are pending.
Pender County staff on April 27 presented a “way forward” compensation plan that regrades positions using a 26‑county salary comparison and proposes both a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment and steps tied to years of service and certifications.
Meg Blue, who led the budget presentation, said the county calculated the revenue‑neutral level but cannot convert that into a tax rate until property valuations are resolved. HR presenter (Brame) described the salary study methodology: comparing minimum salaries for each grade to regional peers, crediting prior relevant experience at half value, and awarding step credits for degrees and certifications. Brame said the study covered approximately 245–250 positions and identified positions with hard‑to‑fill classifications that were adjusted upward.
HR also proposed career‑development pathways, reclassifications where job descriptions warrant them, and the addition of two HR analysts anticipated as part of the planned fire/EMS merger. Brame said some vacant positions may be eliminated to help fund the way forward and cautioned that the county was still finalizing exact costs.
Commissioners asked about paid leave and per‑diem travel differences; Brame confirmed county employees have FMLA and may use shared leave, and staff said travel per diems follow federal GSA rates with a $25 meal cap for county reimbursements.
Brame and finance staff emphasized that the way forward is intended to reduce turnover and improve recruitment but said final implementation will depend on the manager’s recommended budget and available revenues.
