The City Utility Commission was briefed Thursday at a regular meeting on how the organization stacks up in employee compensation and benefits compared to the market.
Owensboro Municipal Utilities is in the process of updating its comprehensive compensation and benefits study, which is done every four to six years through a consulting firm.
“We look and we see what kind of (or) if we need to make any sort of just a general wage increase,” said Sonya Dixon, OMU manager of public relations and communications. “It’s to help us remain competitive in keeping our employees and attracting employees and paying them fairly.”
The last study was conducted in 2014. Dixon said OMU does a general yearly review until the next study.
The overview presented Thursday showed OMU’s employee pay averages are slightly above the market.
While the market also averages between seven and 10 years to reach the market pay rate, most OMU employees reach the market pay rate in five years, according to the study.
OMU’s benefits package shows competitive numbers with lower premiums, deductibles and out of pocket expense.
Kevin Frizzell, general manager, said OMU is where it wants to be in terms of being an attractive place to work without having a blow to the budget.
Frizzell said commission members will consider taking up incentives that may entice millennials such as parental leave for parents, both women and men.
Recommendations on wage and benefit changes or position movement for the fiscal year 2021 will be made at OMU’s March meeting.
