Title
Request to hire an Engineer at a starting salary above the minimum pay rate.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the starting pay rate as requested.
An Engineer position (Position Number 20002089) was vacated at the beginning of April. Public Works has conducted a search for a replacement and has now identified a qualified candidate. Based on the amount and type of experience that this candidate would bring to Sedgwick County, Public Works is recommending a starting salary that is 31.5% above the minimum pay level. The pay range for an Engineer is from $55,120 to $82,680 per year. Public Works recommends starting pay for this candidate at $72,500 per year. The midpoint of the range is $68,900.
Alternatives: Approve a lower starting pay rate or deny the request.
Financial Considerations: The position has been vacant since April and there are sufficient salary savings in 2014 to cover the additional cost of a starting pay rate above minimum. The new employee would start on September 15, 2014. The position was budgeted at the range minimum in the 2015 recommended budget; however, Public Works generally has salary savings throughout the budget year.
Legal Considerations:
Policy Considerations: Section IV.E.5 of Sedgwick County Policy 4.300 requires approval of the Board of County Commissioners for starting pay that exceeds the minimum by more that 10%.