By: Daniel Cooley
The Village of Edgerton Wage and Compensation meeting was held on September 12. In attendance were committee members Chuck Wallace, Jason Gruver, and Pam Wampler.
The meeting held two purposes, to discuss how the village of Edgerton has come up with wages in the past and what will be accomplished in the future.
First considered in coming up with wages for an employee can include some of the following factors: education level, job experience, complexity of duties, independent work (able to work on their own at times) and ability to follow work policies and procedures.
In looking at the wages, the village of Edgerton decided to hire Clemans Nelson to help them with policies.
As part of this, a market study was conducted by surveying 13 other communities, some of the same size and some that are larger than Edgerton. A basic question was raised: How does the out pay compare to similar jurisdictions?
While looking at the market study, Edgerton has nine pay grades, with a minimum and a maximum, in outlining how an employee can get an increase in pay.
First, a dollar amount is established. For Edgerton, when hiring for a new job, an employee’s starting pay is $10.50 per hour.
In looking to give pay increases, an employee must be evaluated. That means for next year’s budget, evaluations must be completed very soon. Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles said that most of the evaluations have been completed.
There was discussion too, about making sure the village of Edgerton establishes a wage scale that can easily accommodate all job positions, so that it provides fair and equitable compensation to all.
While there is talk about increasing the minimum wage in Ohio, the increase would affect part time general labor, but the rest of the employees would be within the wage scale.
Here, in looking back at previous evaluations, there is something to back up previous data. Did the person improve, meaning, can they get a pay increase?
Fitzcharles said that the merit-based process seems to be working well. She stated that in general, at Edgerton, employees like their environment.
In looking at insurance levels, Edgerton offers the highest deductible, with the lowest rate available.
In discussing all these matters, Fitzcharles is looking at, based on performances, either a two or three percent increase could be included after an evaluation is completed.
No action was taken at this time and the wage and compensation ideas, including the two to three percent increase, will be discussed at a later council meeting.
Wage and compensation members voted to adjourn the meeting.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com