Roy City Council addresses fire department wage issues to retain personnel

During the recent Roy City Council Work Session held on August 5, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the compensation of city employees, particularly in the fire department and public works. Council members expressed concerns about the city's ability to retain staff due to competitive wage offers from neighboring areas, such as Ogden and Layton.

One council member highlighted the disparity in starting salaries for firefighters, noting that potential recruits are often lured away by better financial incentives elsewhere. This situation has led to a troubling trend of losing experienced personnel, which could impact public safety and service delivery in Roy. The council member emphasized that while many employees love working in Roy, financial considerations often dictate their decisions to leave for higher-paying positions.

The conversation also touched on the merit system used for employee compensation. Some council members argued that the current system may not adequately reward lower-paid employees, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of how salary increases are distributed. They proposed that instead of directing funds primarily to senior employees, the city should focus on improving wages for those in lower-paying positions to enhance retention and morale.

A salary survey was mentioned as a tool to help determine fair compensation levels across the board. However, there were concerns about the feasibility of making necessary adjustments within a short timeframe. The council acknowledged the complexity of the issue, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all solution would not suffice.

As the meeting concluded, the council members agreed on the urgency of addressing these compensation issues to prevent further staff turnover. They emphasized the importance of creating a fair and equitable pay structure that reflects the contributions of all employees, ensuring that Roy City remains an attractive place to work for its dedicated staff. The discussions set the stage for future actions aimed at improving employee retention and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the entire community.