The City of Maple Ridge will aim to compensate its management at a higher rate than about two-thirds of comparable municipalities, but less than the highest paying 35 per cent.
That was a decision council made as it approved a new policy on exempt (non-union) staff compensation on Tuesday, March 3.
City staff explained to council that Maple Ridge needs to pay a little more to be competitive in attracting employees, and to keep its most experienced staff from being poached by other cities.
The exempt staff compensation will target the 65th percentile in a group of comparable cities, that would be competing for similar talent. It will apply to all exempt staff, except the CAO. Compensation includes paid time off, benefits, perks, and salary.
Michelle Lewis, director of HR, called 65 per cent “financially prudent.”
“Because we’re a little further away, and we have to be a little more competitive,” she said.
“We’re getting excellent candidates, we’re able to bring them in at the right step.”
The new policy will see a market review of total compensation for exempt employees every three years by an independent compensation consultant. The director of human resources will then recommend revised salary ranges to the CAO, subject to council review and approval.
The entire organization – including union staff – has about eight per cent staff turnover per year, through retirements, terminations, or “moving on to a better opportunity,” Lewis explained.
She added there is a lot of tenure in the organization.
“When I look at this, it’s about retaining our best people,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy, adding turnover impacts efficiency and staff morale. “The idea is to have the cream of the crop. We want people to look at Maple Ridge as a great place to work…”
Being ranked among B.C.’s top 100 employers for the past three years has made it easier to attract candidates.
“The morale in the company has really, I think, gone up, and people are happy to be here, people are empowered to do their job,” said Ruimy.
Councillors Korleen Carreras and Judy Dueck lauded the new “fair and transparent process.”