Consultants brief CCRPC Executive Committee on compensation study, expect March completion

Consultants from Hickok & Boardman outlined the approach and early findings of a compensation study for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission at the committee’s Feb. 7 meeting.

Charlie Baker, CCRPC’s executive director, introduced Karyn Tierney and Katrina Meigs, who described the study’s purpose: benchmark pay and benefits to help attract, engage and retain staff. The consultants said an employee engagement survey showed generally high satisfaction but flagged concerns about cost of living, opportunities for professional growth and interest in a paid family leave option.

Bard Hill, vice chair, emphasized that wage-setting is complex and should reflect factors such as travel distance, location and organization size. Chair Chris Shaw raised concerns about a lack of local childcare and housing options as context that could affect recruitment and retention; Meigs acknowledged those issues and noted a new state insurance program for paid family and parental leave that CCRPC staff are exploring.

The consultant team told the committee it is collecting market data from South Burlington, Burlington and the State of Vermont and expects to complete the compensation study in March. The presentation focused on methodology and next steps rather than proposed pay changes.

The committee did not take a vote on changes to compensation at this meeting; staff will return results and recommendations when the study is complete.