By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
After months of conducting reviews, studies and interviews, the results of a much-anticipated wage and classification study in the City of Whitewater have been unveiled. While no formal action has been taken, the results reveal the community could adjust its salary structure in the years ahead.
The Common Council on Sept. 1 heard a report from Ann Antonsen of research firm Springsted. The city earlier this year enlisted the services of Springsted to carry out the study as officials eyed potential wage adjustments in the years ahead.
During an open session portion of the meeting, the council and Antonsen spoke broadly of the study findings. In closed session, both parties discussed specific personnel matters, which was allowable under state statutes.
As she unveiled her findings, Antonsen said she based them on comparisons to 15 communities that were similar to Whitewater. In addition to compiling raw data, Antonsen said she conducted interviews and issued surveys to municipal employees.
As she discussed a number of statistical figures, Antonsen revealed Whitewater is 0.78 percent below the threshold for average minimum salaries in comparable communities.
However, the city is 6.37 percent below the market average, when a technical combination of a midpoint and average salaries entered the equation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Whitewater is 11.38 percent below maximum salaries, compared to other similar communities.
In open session, Antonsen said she believed the city should take a long-range look at its current method of assigning wages and salaries to employees. The process could include overhauling job classes, reviewing fringe benefits and updating the city’s existing salary range chart.
Further discussion is anticipated at future council meetings.
