The meeting’s primary focus was the presentation by Sandy Stepinsky from Human Resource Services Inc., who outlined the proposed compensation survey project. The project, which has been under discussion for several months, aims to review approximately 63 job descriptions within Newbury, with an emphasis on fire services. The survey will also consider total compensation, including stipends and pay differentials. Stepinsky emphasized the importance of such studies in attracting and retaining employees, ensuring competitiveness, and maintaining workplace morale.

Board members raised questions regarding the inclusion of benefits in the compensation analysis. While the current contract primarily focuses on direct compensation, there was debate about the necessity of incorporating benefits such as vacation and sick leave into the study. Stepinsky acknowledged the importance of benefits in recruitment and retention strategies and suggested that a benefits analysis could be considered an add-on to the existing contract.

Participants also discussed the methodology for selecting comparable communities, using data from the Department of Revenue. Towns such as Boxford, Essex, and Georgetown were identified as benchmarks. The survey aims to provide an executive summary and sample data sheets, with preliminary findings expected before the final report. However, Stepinsky noted potential delays due to extended reviews, additional drafts, and the holiday season.

In addition to the compensation survey, the meeting highlighted the significance of benefits in recruitment and retention. A participant with extensive experience as a benefit specialist emphasized the need for a examination of benefits, noting that disparities in benefit offerings can affect take-home pay. The discussion revealed that while some departments may offer higher salaries, the overall compensation, including benefits, could make Newbury competitive. Health insurance emerged as a primary concern for potential employees, underscoring its significance over other types of compensation.

The board also addressed the scope of the classification study, which focuses on job roles and groupings within the organization. Questions arose about the implications of this part of the analysis, particularly regarding how jobs are classified according to the existing plan and whether it requires updating. The importance of ensuring correct job groupings and avoiding pay compression over time was emphasized. The Massachusetts Employment Pay Act’s requirement for considering pay equity in compensation studies was also discussed, highlighting the need to account for employee salaries, gender, hiring dates, and merit increases.

Concerns about high turnover rates were noted as indicators of deeper issues beyond financial compensation, such as workplace culture and management relationships. Exit interviews were suggested as a valuable tool for understanding why employees leave, emphasizing that reasons often extend beyond monetary factors to include aspects like camaraderie and work-life balance.

The meeting also included feedback on the consultant’s presentation, which some participants found lacking in structure and content. The need for a more professional presentation that clearly outlines the project’s scope was emphasized.

The complexities of pension systems and employee benefits were also discussed, with a focus on health insurance and paid time off (PTO) as key employee concerns. Participants noted the potential inclusion of health insurance costs and the importance of understanding PTO structures, especially for employees transitioning from other municipalities with different benefits. The board acknowledged the ongoing recruitment process, particularly in light of recent hires within the police department.

As the meeting concluded, the scheduling of future meetings was discussed, with a proposal to move the next meeting to January 27th due to the holiday season. The board also reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous meeting and discussed plans for the upcoming holiday luncheon, which serves as an opportunity to foster employee morale and camaraderie.