Category: Local Government Projects

Evergreen Solutions was retained by the City of Odessa to conduct a Comprehensive Classification and Compensation Study. Evergreen’s consultants reviewed the current classification structure and proposed retention, redesign, or replacement and reviewed all current compensation plans including non-salary/wage remuneration and non-cash components (benefits and perquisites) to develop an understanding of the organization’s total compensation structure. Evergreen further performed the following tasks: reviewed current staffing levels for both public safety and non-public safety departments with regard to identified objective criteria and provided recommendations for consolidation or division of current departments, staff level changes, justifications for resulting staffing levels in each 10 department, and methodology for changing future staffing levels; delivered and designed implementation methodology and timelines for a competency-based system for applicable jobs which could be integrated into the classification and compensation deliverables; designed and delivered a performance evaluation system that could be used to drive the recommended classification and compensation career progression models; and designed and delivered a permanently licensed, software-based succession planning system which included components to identify positions to be monitored, evaluate personnel readiness, and manage organization-wide succession gaps and opportunities.

Evergreen Solutions was retained by Henry County to conduct a Classification and Compensation Study. This was a multi-phased project whose goals were to appropriately align job descriptions with employee roles and responsibilities, format an equitable and consistent classification and compensation structure, and conduct a market comparison of similar jobs for recruitment, planning and retention purposes. The study included a a position analysis and job evaluation process for public safety and non-public safety positions.

The objectives of this project were to: strengthen the County’s ability to recruit and retain qualified workers; utilize a market-based comparison for planning and establish a consistent classification and compensation plan for all levels; develop a pathway for internal equity; and analyze growth-strategies and organizational need.

Evergreen Solutions was retained by Okaloosa County to conduct a Classification and Compensation Study. Evergreen reviewed and provided updates to the County’s current salary structure after examining the salaries of competitors in the market for similar positions. Evergreen further reviewed job families/hierarchies and conducted an internal pay equity assessment of classifications based upon actual work performed and value of work performed to the County to ensure internal equity.

Evergreen Solutions was engaged with Dare County to conduct a Classification and Compensation Study. Evergreen’s consultants conducted a comprehensive evaluation of every job to determine relative worth within the County (internal equity), placement in the organizational structure, and to establish appropriate pay ranges. Evergreen further established appropriate benchmarking standards to include a comparison and analysis of salaries and benefits of like or similar jobs (external equity) of comparable local governments and private employers in various markets for which the County competes for labor supply.

Evergreen Solutions was engaged with the City of Clarksville to provide Compensation and Classification Consulting Services. Evergreen reviewed the City’s current compensation plan and gathered necessary salary data from comparable organizations within a 200-mile radius. Evergreen further evaluated the City’s current classification positions, gathered necessary employee information using a combination of job analysis questionnaires as well as supervisor and employee interviews to determine whether individuals were appropriately classified. Evergreen provided updated job descriptions and made appropriate FLSA determinations.

Evergreen Solutions was engaged with McLean County to conduct a Compensation Study and Analysis.  Evergreen’s consultants performed a comprehensive, valid and reliable job analysis/evaluation of each job class within the County to determine if the current pay grade levels for all classified and appointed positions were still appropriate and conducted a comprehensive wage and benefits survey(s) for the purpose of ensuring that the County pay plans/pay structures and benefits possess external equity and labor market competitiveness.  In the end, Evergreen developed a maintenance program to address the need for new job analysis/evaluation (including pay grade recommendation), creation of new job description(s), and the continued maintenance of the Pay Classification Plans.

Evergreen Solutions was engaged with Cobb County to conduct a Comprehensive Compensation Review and Update of Classification/Pay System.  The scope of work included a comprehensive compensation and benefit market survey; job analysis and evaluation; evaluation of internal and external compensation equity; an implementation recommendation and update; and preparation of draft and final reports.  Evergreen updated the salary range structure based on the compensation survey results and internal relationships, while minimizing compression, and assuring internal equity and external competitiveness for sworn (full and part-time); non-sworn; and part-time employees.  Evergreen further made recommendations regarding a Step Plan for all County graded positions.  Evergreen reviewed and updated job descriptions and coordinated an appeal process for employees to appeal through their management and address any concerns.

Evergreen Solutions was engaged with Columbus Consolidated Government to conduct a Classification and Compensation Study and Analysis.  Columbus is Georgia’s first consolidated city/county government, the second largest city in Georgia and is a recognized leader among its peer cities, and takes pride in its operational efficiency and the excellent quality of life it fosters.

Evergreen conducted an external market analysis to determine whether the City was competitive with its peers. Evergreen worked with Human Resources and City leadership to review the Cit’s classification and compensation structure and recommended comparable public and private survey markets.   Evergreen considered the compensation and benefits package received by employees with the City as it related to both the external and internal markets.  The City’s objectives for this study were to:  attract and retain qualified employees; ensure positions performing similar work with essentially the same level of complexity, responsibility, and knowledge, skills, and abilities are classified together; provide salaries commensurate with assigned duties; outline promotional opportunities and provide recognizable compensation growth; provide justifiable pay differential between individual classes; and maintain a competitive position with other comparable government entities and private employers within the same geographic areas.

Evergreen Solutions was hired in 2024 by the City Norfolk to conduct a Compensation and Classification Study in two phases. In Phase I, Evergreen reviewed existing compensation plans to understand the current challenges facing the County in recruiting and retaining employees; provided the City with a review of benchmark cities and compensation policies; proposed a comprehensive plan; recommended the appropriate placement of each existing position on the proposed step plan; completed a compression analysis; and recommended implementation strategies for the updated pay plans. For Phase II, Evergreen will review internal equity, make FLSA determinations, and update job descriptions.

Note: Evergreen was previously hired in 2022 to provide Consulting Services for Compensation Program Transition.

Evergreen Solutions was engaged with the City of Marietta/Board of Lights and Water to conduct a Review and Update of a Pay and Classification System.  Evergreen performed the following tasks: evaluated job descriptions for all full-time and part-time single incumbent positions and recommended appropriate job classification, FLSA classification, and salary range; updated and/or created full-time and part-time classification specifications as needed to uniformly reflect distinguishing characteristics, FLSA status, essential functions, minimum qualifications, working conditions, license requirements, regulatory requirements, certifications, and competencies required to do the job (knowledge, skills, and physical abilities); conducted a full market analysis of take-home pay with comparable labor market including both private, when applicable, and public sector (locally, regionally, and statewide) using an approved peer group with a focus on actual take-home pay; established a consistent and competitive market position that the City could strive to maintain that aligned with the City’s compensation philosophy; reviewed and provided an assessment on the competitiveness of the City’s entire benefits package (including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, holidays, health, dental, life, disability, retirement, tuition reimbursement, etc.); designed and recommended an implementation strategy (including cost) and a maintenance strategy, including policy revisions or additions for the updated compensation system with the lowest financial impact on the City and greatest gain to positions that fell outside of a designated range; included any best practice recommendations that would positively impact hiring or retention; and provided training to appropriate City staff on the utilization and maintenance of the system.