Board approves step-pay system for nonunion road employees to boost retention

The board voted to approve a step-pay system for nonunion employees in the secondary roads department, a measure members said is aimed at improving recruitment and retaining workers with valuable institutional knowledge. "I would make the motion to approve the step pay system as proposed," the chair said; the motion was seconded and carried.

Members noted the system's primary purpose is to reward longevity and reduce turnover costs. An engineer who presented the plan said the system would help retain employees whose on-the-job experience is critical for functions such as secondary roads operations, dispatch and emergency management. The proposal was slated to take effect in July; the board approved it after discussion about the costs of vacancy and training.