The Finance & Personnel Committee of the Village of Ashwaubenon convened on July 15, 2025, to address critical issues regarding recruitment and employee compensation strategies. The meeting highlighted the challenges the village faces in attracting qualified candidates due to a competitive job market.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment that the current entry wage for positions is not attracting sufficient interest from qualified applicants. The committee noted that the existing salary and wage administration matrix allows for flexibility in hiring, enabling administration to advertise and hire within a defined range. This flexibility is crucial for attracting candidates with relevant experience and qualifications, particularly those coming from other positions as lateral hires.

A significant proposal discussed was the introduction of a variable wage range. This new approach would allow for a pay increase of up to 10% above the maximum wage for a position, contingent on employee performance. Currently, employees receive a 2% increase with each step in the traditional pay scale. The proposed variable range would enable department heads to offer annual raises of 1% to 3% based on performance reviews, providing a more adaptable compensation structure.

The committee emphasized that this change aims to support long-term employees who have reached the maximum pay scale, allowing them to receive additional wage increases. This strategy is intended to enhance employee retention by rewarding those with extensive experience, thereby addressing the village's need for a stable and qualified workforce.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the village's commitment to improving its hiring practices and employee compensation to remain competitive in the job market. The proposed changes are expected to foster a more attractive work environment and retain experienced personnel, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.