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could be discussed during the current meeting or deferred to the Wage & Benefits <br />Committee. <br />Chair Dietz inquired about the deadline for UPMIC changes. <br />Mr. Hanson responded that December's commission meeting would be the appropriate <br />time to propose changes for approval. <br />Chair Dietz emphasized that although he may not always agree with what is presented, it <br />does not diminish his respect for the organization or his appreciation for the work <br />involved. He continued that he supports a market -leading, 7-step pay plan but also <br />expressed disappointment that there wasn't more detailed information from the <br />comparable utilities regarding their PBC programs. <br />Mr. Hanson noted that PBC information can be hard to obtain, noting other organizations <br />are not always willing to share their program details. <br />Chair Dietz disagreed with the statement that ERMU is not considered market leading <br />without an approved compensation plan and performance incentives. He sought <br />clarification from Ms. Towne, asking if the proposed pay plan was market leading. Ms. <br />Towne confirmed it was, but only in terms of base pay. <br />Mr. Hanson clarified that the proposed pay plan, while slightly market -leading, would <br />position ERMU around fourth among 10 comparable utilities, being only 2% above the <br />average. <br />Chair Dietz expressed interest in revisiting the UPMIC details through the Wage & Benefits <br />Committee before the December 31 deadline. <br />Commissioner Bell stated he supported a market -leading, 7-step pay plan and suggested <br />rolling the UPMIC payout into the base pay calculations thereby removing it from being its <br />own separate compensation item. There was discussion. <br />Commissioner Westgaard emphasized the importance of an incentive plan like UPMIC for <br />driving behavior and aligning with the organization's mission, vision, and values. He <br />supported a market -leading pay plan with an end of August start date and agreed that the <br />UPMIC should be reviewed by the Wage & Benefits Committee. <br />Commissioner Stewart supported keeping the UPMIC as a rallying point for employees but <br />was open to reviewing the program. <br />Commissioner Zerwas supported the market -leading, 7-step plan with a current step <br />implementation and considered whether it was better to begin the pay plan in August or <br />wait until January 1, 2025. He agreed on reviewing the UPMIC and suggested involving the <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />August 13, 2024 <br />Page 3 <br />.. <br />