Northport Council Approves New Employee Pay Plan

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council on Monday approved a new employee pay plan that city leaders hope will make Northport more attractive as an employer.

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While initially on the agenda for a first reading, the Council suspended the rules to go ahead and approve the new play plan, which follows feedback from a contracted consulting firm and extensive employee input.

Following the Council's unanimous support for the measure, City Administrator Glenda Webb clarified that the new program would be implemented on July 1.

Northport Human Resources Director Joseph Rose also commented that the 2022 pay plan would make the city a "preferred employer," which will help in Northport's efforts to attract and keep quality employees.

"This will make us a very competitive employer along with our very benefits-rich program we have," he said.

Rose then compared the city's existing plan and the new plan, to underscore changes. As it stands, the city has a 20-step pay plan, with 1.5% between each step.

Consultants suggested the city move to 25 "grades," consisting of 12 steps in each grade for general employees — not including public safety — with 3.75% separating each step.

For public safety employees, such as police and fire, the city will now move to seven grades, with 12 steps in each grade and 3.75% between each annual step.

The recommendations were ultimately approved by the civil service board and the Northport City Council's Administration Committee before being voted on under suspended rules Monday.

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