Clinton council approves pay‑plan adjustments aimed at retaining utilities and public‑works staff

The Clinton City Council approved pay‑plan adjustments intended to keep city utility and public‑works employees competitive with recent Sampson County increases.

City staff explained the proposal moves certain positions into higher grade levels; staff said the changes are intended primarily to retain workers in utilities and public works. Officials estimated the cost at roughly $100,000 for the partial year and about $200,000 on an annualized basis, split between the general fund and enterprise (water/sewer) funds.

Council members discussed the ongoing nature of the cost and emphasized the need to remain competitive with county salaries to avoid turnover. The council voted by voice to adopt the changes and asked staff to bring a formal budget amendment at the next meeting to reflect the fiscal impact.

Staff said any new positions listed in the pay plan (for example, an assistant city manager slot) would require separate council approval before being filled. The pay changes were set to take effect after the first full paycheck in January.