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Middleville council adopts new wage scale after debate over large raises
Summary
The Village of Middleville on July 14 adopted a new classification-and-compensation wage scale to be implemented Aug. 1 after council debate over large percentage increases for some positions. Council members pressed for caps and staged increases while staff said the changes correct years of underpaying.
The Village of Middleville council voted July 14 to adopt a new wage scale recommended by a classification and compensation study, setting the implementation date for Aug. 1 to leave managers time to place staff on the schedule.
Village manager Craig Solsonberg presented supplemental data and asked that the effective date be Aug. 1 for ease of implementation. "Maybe make it effective August 1 as opposed to July 1 just for ease of implementation," he said. The council then debated whether some positions would see steep percentage increases and whether those increases should be phased in or capped.
Several council members said the village historically underpaid some roles and the study provides a market baseline, but they also urged clearer policy to avoid large sudden jumps. One council member said a 60%-plus rise had occurred in a single position over three years and called an additional 15% increase "a lot." Another warned that large one-time raises look bad in public records and recommended staged increases tied to certification or anniversary dates.
Supporters said the increases are intended to correct long-standing underpayment and to retain trained staff. "You're the resident expert on staff compensation," one council member told the manager, urging the council to trust staff data and to ask for a plan that shows how future rates will evolve.
After discussion, council approved the wage scale by roll-call vote. Voting recorded in the transcript showed a majority in favor with Councilmember Sandra Wake casting the lone recorded "no." The motion carried and staff were authorized to place employees on the new scale where appropriate based on years of service, education, certifications and prior evaluations.
The council directed staff to show the work and the projected future rates so future boards can see the plan in writing. The wage-scale adoption closes a multi-week review that included a consultant report and manager-supplemented data.
What's next: The wage scale takes effect Aug. 1; staff will implement the changes and report back on placements and budget impacts.
