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Richmond commission approves 4% pay-grid increase for water and sewer staff
Summary
The Richmond Water and Sewer Commission unanimously approved a 4% pay-grid increase for department staff effective July 1, 2026, citing regional inflation and the need to remain competitive. The motion was moved by Bart and seconded by David; the vote was 4–0.
The Richmond Water and Sewer Commission unanimously approved a 4% increase to the department pay grid for fiscal year 2027, moving the annual salary schedule up to better match regional inflation and state adjustments.
Commissioner Bart moved the increase and David seconded; a roll-call vote recorded Aaron, Bart, David and Morgan voting in favor. The change will take effect July 1, 2026, the start of the new fiscal year and the next pay-grid step cycle. Commissioners noted the budget had assumed a 3% increase but that a 4% increase would cost an estimated additional $1,000 in the water fund and $2,500 in the sewer fund over the budgeted baseline.
Supporters pointed to recent regional CPI readings and state employee increases as justification. One commissioner said the state’s July 2026 schedule includes raises that average about 1.9% plus step movement, making a 4% adjustment reasonable to avoid an effective pay cut in competitive terms.
Staff said that adopting 4% would require an update to the FY27 budget documents and that a revised budget would be presented at the next meeting before formal annual meeting adoption. The commission recorded no dissent and the motion passed 4–0.
The commission will incorporate the pay-grid change into its FY27 budget materials in advance of the annual meeting scheduled for June 8.
