Commission weighs step increases, COLA and using reserves to avoid losing staff

Rob ran through a staff-grade breakdown and cost estimates for step increases and a cost-of-living adjustment. He said the general-fund impact of a step increase for all eligible employees at grade 9 and below would be about $8,269; "Currently, if where we're at, we're above 41% of our reserves," Rob said as he outlined the option of drawing on reserves to pay increases while warning the commission about the need to refill reserves in future years.

Commissioners expressed concern about retention if staff receive no raises and about fairness if increases are given to some employees but not others. One commissioner said a 2% COLA would be preferable to selective steps because it treats employees equally. Staff presented a range of options and asked for direction; commissioners asked Rob to model specific scenarios for Monday's decision.