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Kinston council approves citywide compensation and classification study to address pay gaps
Summary
The council unanimously approved a compensation and classification study intended to close market gaps across city positions, citing examples of long-tenured workers paid the same as new hires and funding plans through budget adjustments and investment changes.
The Kinston City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive compensation and classification study on March 17, 2026, designed to align city pay with market rates and address long-standing inequities across departments.
Human Resources Director Tiffany Smith presented the study, completed with the MAPS Group, and said the analysis identified “significant gaps, particularly in fire service, sanitation, and skilled trade positions.” She highlighted that a sanitation equipment operator with 22 years of service currently earns the same as a newly hired worker with minimal experience, and that many sanitation employees hold two full-time jobs to make ends meet.
Council members pressed for details about how changes would be funded and how proposed adjustments differ from routine cost-of-living increases. Council Member Hardy asked about the distinction between a cost-of-living adjustment and a market-rate correction; Smith said the plan would bring pay to market levels while incorporating COLA adjustments. Interim City Manager Ralph Clark said funding would come from changes in investment strategy and budget adjustments.
Mayor Kareem S. Moore acknowledged the scope of disparities revealed by the study and said addressing them had been “long overdue.” Council Member Seaforth emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified employees, and Mayor Pro Tem Solomon said equitable compensation was necessary to correct historical imbalances.
Council Member Hardy moved to approve the compensation and classification study, including parks and recreation budget recommendations; Council Member Lipford seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The council directed staff to proceed with implementation planning and to return with specific budget amendments and timelines as required for future budget cycles.
