Operating Budget 2025-2026

Personnel Services

FY 2022-23 Compensation Study: In August 2021, the Town of Blacksburg contracted the McGrath Consulting Company to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Town’s Broadband Position Classification Pay Plan. As a result of the compensation study, the Town Council approved a resolution on June 14, 2022, to adopt a new Step-Rate Compensation Structure. Effective July 1, 2022, the new system places each full-time position into a specific pay group and incorporates 20 step levels within each group. Pay Plan positions were analyzed according to the types of duties, responsibilities, supervisory level, and job requirements in relation to similar positions. The new Pay Plan will continue to be reviewed annually and necessary adjustments made to the plan will be effective on July 1 of each year. As part of the study, the Town also adjusted the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour for all employees effective July 1, 2022. Beginning July 1, 2023, Sworn Police Officers are included in a separate Pay Plan. The Personnel Summary and Town Pay Plans are included in this section. Step-Rate Compensation: Each year, as part of the budget process, the Town Manager recommends an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to the Town Council for Pay Plan employees and part-time employees with an equal Pay Plan position. The purpose of the COLA is to provide a percentage raise for employees to account for current economic conditions related to inflation and keep salaries competitive to attract and retain employees. Once the Town Council adopts the budget, the COLA is effective July 1, and employees receive the adjustment in salary beginning on the first pay period in July. Performance evaluations are conducted by Department Heads in September of each year and submitted to the Human Resources Office for review. Pay Plan employees receiving a successful or exemplary evaluation receive a step progression raise effective January 1. New employees hired after April 30 each year will not be eligible for a performance step increase on January 1. The current rate between steps is 2% for FY 2025, which is analyzed yearly for changes in economic conditions and available funding. The Town plans to adjust pay groups and steps by COLA each year but reserves the right to make no adjustment based on economic factors and available funding. Employees who reach the maximum (Step 20) within their respective pay group will receive a lump sum payment on the first pay period in January for the equivalent of the difference between steps, with no increase in total salary. The Town also offers various probation and retention bonus programs. Benefits: The Town of Blacksburg offers employees a comprehensive benefits package that is competitive with other organizations. These benefits provide protection and security for town employees and their families. Current benefits for full-time employees include health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, as well as participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), paid leave time, and service awards. A detailed list of benefits along with the employee handbook is available on the Town’s website at https://blacksburg.gov/human-resources. FY 2025-26 Summary of New Positions: Department/Office Position Title Fund Finance Accountant General Fund Finance Buyer General Fund Recreation Maintenance Specialist I General Fund Transit Accounting Specialist Transit Fund Transit Mechanic Transit Fund Transit Mechanic Transit Fund Transit Lead Data Analyst Transit Fund Transit Data Entry Specialist Transit Fund

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