Dare changes salary structure – The Coastland Times

Dare County will make immediate changes to public works wages and commission a wage study.

County Executive Robert L. Outten told commissioners Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 that the county’s salary structure was not competitive.

A review of starting salaries showed starting salaries in the county were $8,000 to $10,000 lower than in incorporated municipalities in the county, Outten said.

Outten described several measures to improve the situation for employees, which is most critical in the public works department, followed by the detention center and sheriff’s deputies.

Outten asked the commissioners for $285,000 a year to fix Public Works’ current pay problem, aimed at retaining existing employees. The commissioners accepted.

“We’re out of whack,” Outten said, offering a more formal salary study. He offered to post a request for qualifications for a salary study to be completed by the budget period. The wage study will also address a minimum wage for hourly employees. The commissioners accepted.

Outten reported that Dare employees were leaving the county for employers offering flexible hours. “We’re not in competition,” Outten said. He offered to develop a flexible schedule plan. The commissioners accepted.