Kingston, New Hampshire, is taking significant steps to address salary concerns for town employees as discussions at the recent Budget Committee meeting highlighted the need for a comprehensive salary study. The committee is prioritizing this study to ensure fair compensation for local workers, particularly in comparison to neighboring Portsmouth, which has a much larger population and budget.

During the meeting, committee members reviewed salary data from Portsmouth, noting that positions such as equipment operators and police captains earn significantly higher wages than their Kingston counterparts. For instance, a Portsmouth equipment operator with 20 years of experience earns approximately $65,000, while Kingston's salaries for similar roles are reportedly lower. This disparity has raised questions about the town's compensation strategy, especially as Kingston seeks to attract and retain skilled employees in critical roles like firefighting and policing.

To address these issues, the select board is moving forward with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a salary study, which is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025. This study will provide a clearer understanding of appropriate salary ranges and help eliminate guesswork during budget planning. The board has set aside $80,000 for potential salary adjustments, which will be retroactively applied once the study is finalized.

Committee members emphasized the importance of having a well-defined salary matrix to guide future budgeting decisions. They acknowledged that salaries, insurance, and taxes represent the largest expenses for the town, making it crucial to balance fair compensation with fiscal responsibility. The goal is to ensure that Kingston's employees are compensated fairly while also maintaining the town's financial health.

As Kingston prepares for the upcoming budget season, the completion of the salary study will be a pivotal step in aligning employee compensation with market standards and community needs. The Budget Committee is committed to transparency and thoroughness in this process, aiming to present a well-supported budget proposal that reflects the town's priorities and the realities of the local job market.