Where it stands as of Tue, Sep 8
The municipal classification and compensation study is under review by consultant MGT, which is concluding data collection from surveyed peer communities. The Personnel Board has paused individual job reclassifications so all non-union positions can be evaluated collectively once the consultant reports. Final study recommendations will be presented to voters at the Annual Town Meeting in March 2027.
- For Personnel Board Voted to commission the study and approved the peer community list, holding off on individual reclassifications until consultant findings are complete.
- Mixed Public comment A municipal employee objected to the board's decision to exclude Dover from the peer communities list, urging reliance on the consultant's independent process.
Next: Presentation of study recommendations at the Annual Town Meeting in March 2027
Votes
| Date | Board | Motion | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel Board | Approve the list of comparable communities for the market survey excluding Dover Municipal classification and compensation study | Passed3-1 | 1:47:01 | |
| Personnel Board | Approve the proposed list of comparable communities for the market survey as presented Municipal classification and compensation study | Failed2-2 | 1:43:37 | |
| Personnel Board | Recommend that the Select Board accept the MGT Consulting Option B bid for $23,625 for the classification and compensation study Municipal classification and compensation study | Passed4-0 | 30:26 |
Every time it came up newest first
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Salary study update
Staff reported on the progress of the compensation and salary study being performed by MGT. To date, 14 of 18 surveyed communities have responded, including recent additions Westborough and Grafton. The consultant expects to close data collection within roughly a week, and any resulting recommendations will be brought forward at the Annual Town Meeting in March.
- 14 of 18 comparable communities have responded to the survey
- Westborough and Grafton responses were recently added to the data set
- Survey window expected to close in about one week
- Study recommendations will be presented at the March Annual Town Meeting
Outcome: Update received
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Job reclassification requests
The board chair discussed two pending inquiries regarding position reclassifications. The chair recommended delaying action on any individual job reclassification until the MGT compensation study is completed and reviewed.
- Two reclassification inquiries were submitted, one concerning the town planner position and another involving the library.
- The chair responded to both inquiries advising that reclassification requests should wait for the study findings.
- The board intends to evaluate townwide positions collectively once the consultant delivers results.
Outcome: Individual reclassification requests remain on hold pending completion of the compensation study.
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Classification and compensation study update
Staff provided a status update on the townwide classification and compensation study conducted by MGT. All employee questionnaires have been collected, salary surveys have been distributed to comparable municipalities, and employee interviews will take place later this month.
- 100 percent of employee Job Analysis Questionnaires have been completed and returned.
- Salary survey forms were sent to approved comparable communities, with one response received so far.
- Follow-up reminder emails will be sent to comparable towns early next week.
- Virtual interviews between employees and MGT are scheduled for the final two weeks of August.
- A full update on the employee interview phase is expected at the September board meeting.
Outcome: Informational update received; study remains on schedule.
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Classification and compensation study kickoff and peer communities
Katy Yee from consulting firm MGT presented an overview of the comprehensive classification and compensation study. The board examined the 10-factor Job Analysis Questionnaire that employees must complete and discussed the employee interview schedule planned for late August. Members debated the proposed list of comparable communities, questioning the inclusion of more affluent or distant towns, before approving the list with Dover removed.
- MGT evaluates peer towns using eight criteria including population, per capita income, equalized property values, budget size, and proximity.
- Employees are asked to complete the Job Analysis Questionnaire by July 24, 2024, followed by supervisor review by July 31.
- MGT will conduct 20-to-30-minute employee interviews during the weeks of August 17 and 24, 2024.
- An initial motion to accept the full recommended list of comparable communities failed in a 2-2 tie.
- A subsequent motion to approve the comparable communities list excluding Dover passed 3-1.
Outcome: List of comparable communities approved excluding Dover.
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Comprehensive salary study contract update
Staff announced that the contract with consultant MGT for the town-wide salary and classification study was finalized and ready for signature. The board discussed arrangements for an all-employee kickoff session, expressing a preference for the consultant to attend in person.
- Contract returned from consultant MGT for execution by the town administrator
- Kickoff meeting for employees and board members targeted for late June or right after July 4
- Board requested an in-person kickoff presentation rather than a fully remote meeting
- Study is expected to review the town 15-step compensation grid
Outcome: Contract executed; staff to schedule kickoff meeting
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Wage and salary classification study contract
Rachel Skaggs of MGT Consulting presented a proposal for a comprehensive classification and compensation study of 48 non-union municipal positions. The project includes employee job analysis questionnaires, benchmark salary surveys across 15 to 20 comparable communities, and implementation guidance over a five-to-six-month period. The board voted to recommend that the Select Board award the contract under Option B, in which the consultant handles 100 percent of data collection for $23,625.
- Study covers 48 non-union municipal positions across the town.
- Market survey will compare Southborough data against 15 to 20 peer communities based on eight demographic and financial criteria.
- Estimated project timeline is five to six months.
- Option B totals $23,625 for full consultant-led data collection and analysis.
- Final contract award authority rests with the Select Board at its upcoming meeting.
Outcome: Voted 4-0 to recommend the Select Board approve MGT Consulting Option B for $23,625.