HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There has been much discussion from Reno County Commissioners regarding employee salaries and what can be done to keep employees pay up while being responsible to taxpayers.
The statement emphasized that Reno County salaries are not elevated noting that the adjusted starting pay for a Reno County Jail Deputy is now $17.19/hour. A Hutchinson Correctional Facility Officer starts at $18.26/hour. Other examples given show an Equipment Operator working for KDOT starts at $15.03/hour, while a Reno County Public Works Operator starts at $15.05 with the new adjustment.
The county says turnover has been high within Reno County, with almost 16% of 377 employees having been employed less than one year, and 31% employed less than 4 years. A study on wages by The Arnold Group recommended Reno County develop a plan to elevate pay levels for 188 employees to bring them up to their respective salary grade minimums.
County Commissioners approved a 2% cost of living increase for employees in December of 2021. While it was positive it was offset by consumer prices that went up 6.8% from November 2020-November 2021.
However, the wage changes recently made are starting to take a turn for the better, according to Human Resources Director Helen Foster. Foster says the impact from the study has resulted in retaining employees that previously indicated they were pursuing new employment opportunities. Additionally, the quality of applications have risen significantly leading to more job offers and new hires.
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