Employee Wage Disparity
Summary
Roy City is struggling to keep police, firefighters, and public works employees because local wages fall well behind neighboring cities. Officials debated whether a 2.5% cost-of-living raise can slow down turnover while they work on a long-term plan to fix the pay gap.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 7, 2026.
Impact analysis
Funding a 2.5% COLA and addressing long-term wage gaps is estimated to require an 18% property tax increase or substantial budget adjustments in future fiscal years.
City employees who will receive wage increases and improved morale, as well as residents who rely on stable public safety and municipal services.
Taxpayers who will face higher property taxes to fund the ongoing wage and benefit increases.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Roy City Work Session — April 7, 2026
The city is looking at how to pay its employees fairly compared to surrounding cities. They are considering a significant tax increase to bring wages up to the median level to stop losing staff.
March 17, 2026 Roy City Council Special Work Session — March 17, 2026
Roy City is struggling to keep police, firefighters, and public works employees because local wages fall well behind neighboring cities. Officials debated whether a 2.5% cost-of-living raise can slow down turnover while they work on a long-term plan to fix the pay gap.
Roy City Council — March 3, 2026
The council is debating whether to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to city employees to help with retention and morale. They are weighing the immediate benefit to staff against the long-term budget impact.
Roy City Council — December 16, 2025
Residents questioned why the city did not provide a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees despite a $700,000 budget surplus identified in the audit.
Roy City Council Work Session — August 5, 2025
The city is losing staff at an alarming rate because starting wages aren't competitive. The Council is looking at ways to pay new hires more and keep them longer.
Roy City Council Work Session — June 3, 2025
The city is losing staff because pay is about 14% lower than neighboring cities. The Council is looking at ways to raise wages to keep experienced employees.
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