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General Manager Mark Hanson presented his concerns regarding employee wages and how <br />feedback from the employee engagement surveyandstay interviews, as well asobservations <br />duringrecent hiring efforts inspired him to conduct a compensation study. Mr. Hanson <br />requested 2023 compensation data from his peers at Anoka, Chaska,and Shakopee. The three <br />cities were selected as comparable utilities due to their use of our power provider (MMPA); <br />being the same type of utility (electric and water); and having similar commuting distances to <br />Minneapolis (25-31 miles). All position categories across the company were reviewed against <br />comparable wage data from the other utilities. The average wage for each position was <br />determined and compared against our current wage. <br /> <br />Results ranged from minor adjustments needed (0-3%), to moderate adjustments (4-8%), to <br />significant adjustments (9-18%). The results showed no positions were overpaid. Most <br />adjustments would only require updates to the current pay range for the respective position. <br />Some results indicated specific positions should be reclassified to a higher wage level. <br />Additionally, some positions should be reviewed for reclassifying as exempt positions. <br /> <br />The presentation of the compensation study is to be considered informational only – no <br />approvals are being requested at this time. The spreadsheet comprising the study is very <br />complex, so it is not attached to this report. Rather, the commission will be walked through the <br />information step by step so everyone can follow along and ask clarifying questions together. <br /> <br />Staff is seeking commission direction on future action steps. Possible direction could range from <br />modifying the existing study to account for any identified gaps, contract with a consultant to <br />perform a similar study, or do nothing at this time. <br /> <br />Review of the Annual Wage and Benefits Evaluation Process: <br />Lastly, the committee discussed options for possible changes to the annual wage and benefits <br />review process. As this year’s discussions may be more impactful to the budget, some members <br />felt future wage and benefit discussions should be brought directly to the full commission so <br />requests and ensuing discussions could be heard firsthand instead of just a synopsis. <br /> <br />Staff is seeking commission direction on future action steps. Possible changes could include: <br />1) Staff representatives presenting requests to management, then management presenting <br />recommendations to the commission. <br />2) Staff representatives presenting directly to the commission during a separate wage and <br />benefits special meeting. <br />3) Staff representatives presenting directly to the commission during a regular commission <br />meeting. <br /> <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br /> WBC Staff Requests Document; August 18, 2023 <br /> WBC Human Resources Document; October 2, 2023 <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br />Page 3 of 3 <br />70 <br />