Commission approves 4% COLA for nonunion contract personnel after procedural discussion

The Antiochia Planning and Economic Development Commission voted Dec. 15 to apply a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to nonunion contract personnel, after commissioners discussed procedural requirements and whether human-resources sign-off was needed before approval.

Commissioners reviewed a town memo dated May 29, 2025, noting the town’s 4% adjustment for nonunion personnel and discussed how contract personnel have been treated differently in the past. Several commissioners said COLA is not the same as a performance-based raise and urged that the adjustment be processed in alignment with town HR procedures. Commissioners asked staff to return to the next meeting with the dates of the last review for affected contract employees and to ensure the HR director’s signature appears on personal-action forms.

During the discussion a specific contract salary example was raised: one contract line item shown in the packet would increase from $188,000 to $195,520 (a $7,520 difference) under the proposed adjustment. Some commissioners said they would not support the raise until HR had signed the form; others said aligning with town practice meant proceeding. The commission ultimately moved and seconded the COLA motion (motion by Mike; second by Liza) and recorded roll-call “Aye” votes; the motion passed.

The commission directed staff to ensure future contract language is aligned with the town’s procedures and to make the COLA implementation consistent with the town’s schedule (a midyear cost-of-living step and separate performance review where applicable).