Commissioners approve smaller-scale WIS salary survey; ask for performance-style recommendations

Commissioner Alan Dunn summarized the county's earlier work with Waggoner, Irwin & Scheele (WIS) on a comprehensive salary and classification project and said the council now wants a smaller follow-up survey to refine some positions.

Dunn said the prior process produced adjustments for positions that did not fit neatly into classification slots and that the council approved further, more limited work estimated at $8,000–$10,000 to be paid from professional services. Commissioner Jordan Brewer suggested exploring a performance-based distribution model for raises; the commissioners approved the consulting agreement with WIS and asked the consultant to include recommendations on a possible performance-style approach.

Commissioners and staff discussed consistency across positions and the desire to give department heads discretion about using allocated percentages, although Commissioner Weaver expressed concerns about performance-based pay. The motion to approve the WIS agreement, including direction to examine a performance option, passed 3-0.