The city of Bainbridge Island is accepting proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a study of staff salaries.

Consultants interested in conducting a classification and compensation study can submit proposals to the city through Jan. 8.

“The city of Bainbridge Island has undergone a significant downsizing and restructuring, and has not conducted an in-depth agency-wide review of the classification and compensation structure in recent years,” stated the city’s “request for proposals.”

The potential consultant will analyze comparable public employers, determine changes to city employee descriptions and provide recommendation for total salaries and benefits to its staff.

The assessment is to be completed mid-April and includes a list of tasks identified by the city’s scope of services. These include:

Conducting a job audit of all positions and a general task analysis by department to determine the organizational structure and essential functions of each position;

Reviewing existing job descriptions and recommending updates as needed;

Determining comparative city employers to present to city council and administration for discussion;

Determining a recommended compensation policy;

Recommending pay grades; and

Recommending an appropriate salary structure including minimum and maximum percent spread.

The city will select interested applicants based on their thoroughness and understanding of the tasks to be completed; experience in organizational analysis and evaluation; and recent public sector experience, preferably in a municipal setting.

Cost will also play a role in the city’s selection process.

The city will negotiate a contract with a “not to exceed” dollar total based on the scope of work. The study project will be financed 100 percent by the city of Bainbridge Island. No state revolving fund or grants are involved.

“This study will help to ensure that the city remains a competitive employer, and that employees receive fair and equitable pay while still allowing the city to be a responsible steward of public funds,” said City Manager Doug Schulze.

Those interested must submit a project proposal and budget no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8. For more information, visit the city’s website at www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us, call 206-842-2545 or email kbrown@bainbridgewa.gov.