Council adopts pay‑range adjustments after City's CBIZ compensation study; implementation to cost about $2.8M

The Lenexa City Council adopted a resolution to adjust pay ranges in the FY2026 pay plan after a comprehensive compensation study conducted by CBIZ. Human Resources Director Kristen Crowe introduced the study; CBIZ consultant Joe Rice presented findings and recommendations, which the city will implement to stay market competitive.

Rice summarized that overall base pay tracks market, though police and fire classifications lag somewhat. CBIZ recommended a 2% structure adjustment to salary ranges, adding grades near the bottom of the scale, and an implementation approach that raises all employees at least to the new range minimums, applies a uniform 3% annual adjustment for eligible employees, and provides market adjustments where jobs fall below target. For employees already at or above the new range maximums, CBIZ recommended a one‑time lump sum in lieu of a salary increase. "All employees are paid at least at the new range minimums," Rice said, and staff estimated the one‑time implementation cost at approximately $2.8 million, consistent with budgeted funds.

Council members asked about methodology, sample sizes, and whether benefits were included in total compensation comparisons; CBIZ said benefits were outside the current scope and that the compensation analysis used a mix of custom peer survey participants and larger published database surveys. After discussion, the council voted to adopt the resolution authorizing the city manager to implement the updated pay plan. Council emphasized the importance of continuing annual benchmarking and employee engagement surveys to assess effectiveness.