Council hears first reading to update appointed-employee compensation and benefits code

At the May 6 meeting Candy Barlet, Administrative Services, presented Council Bill 2604-24 (first reading), which would amend Chapter 2.74 of the Everett Municipal Code to clarify and update fringe benefits for appointed (nonunion) employees. The proposed changes cover insurance plans, holidays, vacation and sick-leave accruals, bereavement leave, and create a new public-safety appointed premium to address pay compression between appointed public-safety positions and their represented counterparts.

Barlet described the updates as modernizing the code, reflecting current practices and creating parity with represented groups to help retain qualified employees. When asked how many employees would be affected, staff estimated "about 220" appointed employees. Council members asked no substantive questions beyond clarifying the scope; the item will return for further readings with a third and final reading scheduled for May 20, 2026.

The measures are intended to make Everett's appointed-employment package competitive with comparable cities and provide mechanisms to address pay compression between ranks in public safety.