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Zeeland BPW approves FY 2026–27 wage scales and phased implementation plan
Summary
The Zeeland Board of Public Works on May 12 approved updated FY 2026–27 wage scales and a stepwise implementation plan that ties pay movement to updated midpoints, performance and retention adjustments; staff estimate the changes will equal roughly a 5% increase on average for existing employees.
The Zeeland Board of Public Works on May 12, 2026 approved new FY 2026–27 wage scales and an implementation plan designed to align pay ranges with local market midpoints and retain staff.
ACM/Finance Director Plockmeyer told the Board the update used market data from local, regional and statewide municipalities, utilities and similar private-sector organizations to reset midpoints. Movement from current midpoints in the survey ranged from −30% to +24%; where midpoints were lower than current rates, no change was recommended. For midpoints that increased, corresponding wage-scale adjustments are proposed.
The implementation approach ties individual movement to either the percent increase in a job’s scale midpoint or to a calculated wage‑scale penetration point based on service; growth is capped at 1% per year of service in the employee’s current position. In addition, eligible employees may receive a performance adjustment, and a retention adjustment of 2%–3% will be provided when, after other adjustments, an employee would receive less than a 3% increase. Team members above their pay scale maximum would receive a one‑time payment equal to 2% of base salary; those within a scale would receive a 3% increase to base wages if eligible. Any retention adjustments above 3% would follow the Management Discretionary Policy.
Plockmeyer said the projected dollar amounts for the retention provisions were estimated at $40,500 for the city overall and $12,500 for the BPW and that the combined effect of scale and performance adjustments is expected to approximate a 5% increase for existing employees in FY 26–27. The implementation plan would apply beginning July 1, 2026, subject to the Board’s approval.
Commissioner Query moved to approve the FY 26–27 wage scales and implementation plan; Commissioner VanAst seconded the motion. The motion carried, all voting aye.
The Personnel Committee had unanimously recommended the changes on April 16, 2026; staff presented the plan to City Council for information on April 20, and staff told the Board they had requested City Council approval on the City side where required.
