Denham Springs council OKs $33,000 compensation study for nonpublic-safety staff

Denham Springs — The Denham Springs City Council on Aug. 12 approved a contract with SSA Consultants to conduct a compensation study for city employees outside of the fire and police departments. The contract—described in the meeting as approximately $33,000—will compare pay and job descriptions with municipalities within roughly a one-hour radius and produce recommendations for pay and structural adjustments.

Mayor Gerard Landry and staff told the council the police and fire salary reviews are underway through SSA separately and that the new contract will cover the remaining roughly 170 municipal employees. Staff said the study will help determine whether the city is competitive in recruiting and retaining certified and qualified workers; council members cited turnover in the gas department and other operational units as a rationale.

Councilmember Amber Dugas moved the item; the motion passed with a recorded vote in favor. Council discussed that any recommended salary adjustments from the study would be considered in future budget cycles. A council member asked whether the city was experiencing “exceptional turnover”; staff confirmed notable departures in technical departments and said the city has used temporary subcontractors for coverage in some areas.

Council approved the contract without further conditions and asked staff to return recommended budget adjustments for council consideration in subsequent budget meetings.