Commission weighs step‑in‑grade pay matrix versus flat dollar increases in road union talks

County staff presented a proposed step‑in‑grade wage matrix for road employees that would set a $25.77 starting wage for first‑year hires, with annual nominal increases and periodic market adjustments. "The only thing the union and us agree on is $25.77 for a 1st year person," the presenter said while explaining tradeoffs between a per‑year step approach and a flat cost‑of‑living adjustment schedule.

Commissioners and staff debated legacy pay protections for current employees, how longevity and step adjustments would interact, and whether to offer a one‑time upfront payment (a signing bonus) to ease transition. They also discussed the county’s heavy reliance on coal money and whether any multi‑year wage commitment would be sustainable without a successful levy or new revenue source; staff cautioned that aggressive annual increases could exhaust resources over time.