Onalaska council approves partial implementation of Baker Tilly pay study, effective Aug. 2

The Onalaska Common Council voted to implement the finance department’s recommended option 1 from the Baker Tilly compensation study, making the wage adjustments effective Aug. 2, 2026.

"In option 1, if we were to implement that effective August 2, the cost would be $8,073.01, of which $5,331 and 40¢ would come out of the general fund," Finance Director Sabrina Steger told the council, reading figures from a staff memo. She said the 2027 cost under option 1 would be about $19,081.66 before step increases or cost-of-living adjustments.

Steger described two alternative approaches the study recommended: option 2 would place employees on the pay scale based on years in service (with a 2026 cost of $54,709.87 and $25,976.12 from the general fund; 2027 cost estimated at $122,849.20), and option 3 would map employees by current step into new grades (2026 cost $64,986.79; $37,874.69 from the general fund; 2027 cost $153,605.14). Steger said 23 employees were recommended for a grade change; she said option 2 would affect about 26–27 people depending on implementation.

Council members questioned budget availability and long-term competitiveness. One council member noted step increases are contingent on a performance evaluation score of 3.0 or higher; others said option 1 is the most fiscally prudent outside the regular budget cycle and recommended a market study in 2027–28.

The chair moved to approve option 1, and the motion was seconded by Alder Larry Jurasick. The council approved the motion on voice/roll-call vote.

Appeals: Council also discussed and approved an appeal process for affected employees. Steger said Baker Tilly will accept and review appeals under specified criteria and estimated the cost for appeals at up to $5,000. The council approved using general-fund dollars (up to $5,000) to cover appeal costs and noted any additional funding would require further council approval.

Why it matters: the council’s decision adjusts pay alignments for staff identified by the Baker Tilly study and commits limited general-fund resources now while leaving larger structural pay decisions for the regular budget and potential future market study.

What the record shows: the transcript provides the specific cost estimates and the number of employees affected, the council discussion about budget timing, and the motion and vote to implement option 1 and to fund appeals up to $5,000.