Montgomery Co. Approves Wage Study After 10 Years

**Montgomery County Launches Comprehensive Wage Study After Decade-Long Hiatus**

**MONTGOMERY, TX – April 24, 2024** – Montgomery County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a $150,000 contract with consulting firm Baker Tilly on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to conduct a comprehensive, county-wide wage study. The decision marks a significant step for the county, coming a full decade after the last such study was completed in 2014.

The initiative aims to address a critical need to ensure Montgomery County remains competitive in the evolving Texas job market, effectively retain its valued employees, and responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. The study will meticulously examine all county positions, comparing their current salaries and benefits to market rates across similar governmental entities and the private sector, ultimately proposing a new, equitable compensation structure.

County Judge Mark Keough underscored the urgency of the study during the court session. “It’s been 10 years since we’ve done a comprehensive wage study for the county. We need to do this to be competitive and to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Keough stated, referencing the economic shifts and inflationary pressures that have impacted compensation over the past decade.

Commissioner Robert Walker of Precinct 1 echoed this sentiment, clarifying that the study’s purpose extends beyond general pay raises. “This isn’t about giving everyone a raise, but about ensuring we’re competitive in the market and keeping our experienced people,” Walker explained. He highlighted a common challenge for the county: losing skilled employees to neighboring entities like Harris County, the City of Houston, or booming private sector companies in the Conroe and Woodlands areas over relatively small salary differences.

Commissioners Charlie Riley (Precinct 2), James Noack (Precinct 3), and Andy Meyers (Precinct 4) also cast their votes in favor, recognizing the critical need despite some initial cost concerns associated with the consulting fee. The consensus was that investing in a professional analysis now would prevent higher costs associated with turnover and decreased morale in the long run.

Baker Tilly, a nationally recognized advisory firm with a strong public sector practice, specializes in compensation and human capital consulting for governmental agencies. Their expertise will be crucial in providing an objective, data-driven analysis of the county’s compensation structure. More information about their government advisory services can be found on their website: Baker Tilly Government Advisory.

The study is anticipated to take between four to six months to complete. Baker Tilly is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the Commissioners Court in late 2024 or early 2025, paving the way for potential adjustments to the county’s compensation plan. This comprehensive review is seen as a proactive measure to secure Montgomery County’s position as an employer of choice in the rapidly growing Houston metroplex region. Further details regarding Montgomery County operations and Commissioners Court proceedings are available on the official county website: Montgomery County Official Website.