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Hancock County wage study finds pay near market median; commissioners set 4% COLA starting point
Summary
An HR Data Labs compensation study found county pay around the 50th percentile and flagged three director roles as significantly underpaid; commissioners agreed to recommend a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 and discussed phasing raises for underpaid positions.
Josh Griffin, HR Director, presented a compensation study developed with David Turetsky of HR Data Labs and told the board the analysis is "approximately 90% complete." Griffin said the study draws on public- and private-sector comparators and ERI data to benchmark county positions.
David Turetsky summarized the main finding: "Overall, across the board, the county is actually paid around the target of the 50th percentile," with three director-level roles—Human Resources, Emergency Management Agency, and Facilities—identified as significantly underpaid. Commissioners discussed phasing pay adjustments over multiple years for the most underpaid roles and shorter timelines for smaller gaps. County Administrator Michael Crooker and Griffin said staff will work on phased options to include in 2027 budget proposals.
Commissioner Clark said the board should set a clear starting point for annual budgets and the commissioners settled on beginning discussions with a 4% COLA recommendation for 2027. The board emphasized that the COLA is separate from targeted adjustments to underpaid positions and directed staff to present cost and phase-in options in upcoming budget hearings. The presentation and discussion were accepted by the board with routine motions recorded in the minutes.
