Montana - Lincoln County Budget
COLA & SALARY MATRIX DISCUSSION: Executive Assistant Bill Bischoff discussed the new salary matrix scale proposal and proposed Cost of living Increase(COLA). Bischoff estimated about $60,000-$65,000 to adopt the new matrix pay schedule and $120,000-$140,000 to grant the COLA increase for the 2001-2002 F.Y. budgets. Commissioner Windom felt that the County should wait until the first State entitlement payment is received in October. Windom felt after talking to the State, that only 88% of the motor vehicle monies will be coming back to the Counties. She felt with losing this 12%, we need to see how this is going to impact the County.
Further discussion took place. Commissioner Konzen stated he has talked to other counties and they have given across the board COLA with no new matrix. Commissioner Konzen felt that either way the pay should be retroactive to July 1, 2001. Commissioner Roose agreed that the new matrix as well as the COLA increase should be granted retroactive to July 1, 2001.
Bischoff stated that the new salary matrix scale will eliminate the lower wage brackets by increasing the base starting salary and, as similar to the State system, will give 1 ½% increase for every five(5) years of service.
This will eliminate the step and grade scale. He stated that some people that may be above the matrix scale already would not be decreased in pay. They would stay at the same rate and receive the COLA increase. A probationary period will have to be established and everyone would start on the salary matrix scale with his or her date of hire.
Bischoff added that the Personnel Department will be going to each department to explain the new salary matrix scale. He felt this could be done by the middle of September. Commissioner Konzen felt this should still be retroactive to July 1, 2001. Commissioner Roose agreed.
MOTION was therefore made by Commissioner Roose to adopt the new salary matrix proposal and give a 3.4% COLA increase to all employees retroactive to July 1, 2001. No Further discussion. Second by Commissioner Konzen and so ordered by Chairman Windom upon unanimous consent of the Board. Link to Source |