Wage consultant recommendations (presentation)

Last night at the KPL  Board meeting the consultant from Carlson Dettmann, the company hired to analyze our current wage scale in relation to the current job market, presented his findings. We do this analysis every 3-4 years to get professional advice about whether our jobs are fairly compensated, particularly when the economy is in flux.  We conduct a study separate from the city, which typically lags behind in scheduling and implementing study recommendations. 

Carlson Dettmann is the same firm that did our last wage study and conducts wage studies for the City of Kenosha and many other Wisconsin municipalities and Patrick Glynn, the consultant you will see in this recording of the presentation, was our consultant during the last study and again this time. 

Last time we did this study, the consultant recommended significant adjustments to a variety of positions. This time, the consultant did not recommend any changes to the wage scale. He did, however, suggest that the board consider another cost of living adjustment for 2023, probably in the same range as the 4% we received this year. For an overview of the process he used and all the reasons why he came to his conclusions, I encourage you to watch Patrick's presentation. I think you'll find it very interesting.

The city would like us to submit a draft budget to them by the end of May this year, so we will need to do a lot of speculation on how much the inflation rate will change from now till December. Since it will be impossible to ask for more once the budget has been submitted, we will draft a budget that includes a 4% raise across the board which reflects the high end of the consultant's recommendations,  plus eligible step increases, for the Board to consider before sending the draft to the city. 

I know many of you will be disappointed to learn that your current pay is in line with the job market. Please remember that your job description was evaluated, not your personal skills or abilities or the effort you put into your work. The consultant does not know you.

As always, thanks for the wonderful work you do every day!

Barb