Hallock council narrowly backs moving forward with compensation study at 90% of market

The Hallock City Council voted 3-2 on Jan. 6 to move forward with the David Drown compensation study using a 90% market analysis to establish the city's pay philosophy and guide future pay adjustments. Councilor Kevin Waller moved the measure and Councilor Naomi Larson seconded; the motion carried with Councilor Mike Totleben and Mayor David Treumer recorded as voting no.

City Administrator Kendra Kroening told the council that the committee (Kroening, Councilor Waller and Councilor Jennifer Peterson) reviewed the study and identified areas that may require closer attention, including job descriptions and certification differentials. Kroening said some positions are graded similarly under the current point scales despite differing required certifications and responsibilities, and that the city may need to revise job descriptions to address pay equity.

Supporters framed the vote as a step toward a clearer pay philosophy and a tool to guide future budgeting and recruitment. Opponents flagged the pace and scope of potential changes and voted no; no specific dollar adjustments were approved at the meeting. The minutes list the outcome as a formal motion to proceed at 90% of market; the council did not set an effective date for any salary changes during this session.

The action follows the committee's review of the Drown study and a short discussion about ensuring fair comparisons for maintenance and deputy clerk classifications. Councilor Jennifer Peterson left the meeting after the vote; the minutes do not record her later participation.

Next steps were not specified in the minutes; the council may return to job-description updates, specific pay adjustments and implementation timing in a future agenda.