A planned review of the city’s pay and other compensation plans will likely help Longmont become more attractive to job seekers and keep those most qualified on the payroll, city officials said Tuesday night.
Their comments came during a review of the proposed $414.25 million city budget for 2023 during a city council work session.
The upcoming review by Mercer, an American asset management firm, will yield data on employee pay plans and how best to keep them competitive with the market, officials said. The city may also be open to changes in personal leave policies and the introduction of a parental leave program.
City Manager Harold Dominguez said the demands of the market are forcing Longmont and other communities to make swift changes to reward employees. “I think the market is moving faster than I’ve ever seen it,” he said.
The total proposed operating budget for 2023 is a 5.74% increase from the 2022 budget of $391.77 million, according to the city budget message to the city council.
All funds are balanced with sources of revenue identified to meet all projected expenses, the message states. The budget includes a 6% boost in water rates, average increase of 12% in storm drainage rates, and an average increase of 4% in electric rates that were previously approved by the city council.
At least $34.14 million in accumulated fund balances will be drawn down in 2023, primarily to meet capital improvement needs, according to the budget message.
Councilors reviewed the city’s 2023 proposed classification and pay plan for employees which calls for a minimum of 6% pay increase for “open range employees,” —or those employees other than public safety and electric line positions — ckty officials told the council..
Also, for those positions that are 6% behind market, the market gap would be covered up to an additional 6% for an additional to a total range increase of up to 12%, the city said.
