Buncombe County Seeks Study to Reform Job Classifications and Pay

Buncombe County has launched a formal process to reassess how it classifies jobs and sets pay. On December 2, the county purchasing office posted a Request for Proposals inviting qualified consulting firms to submit proposals to conduct a comprehensive Classification and Compensation Study. The study will examine whether current job classifications reflect actual roles and responsibilities and whether the county compensation philosophy, pay practices, and pay structure are equitable, competitive, and aligned with organizational objectives and market conditions.

The RFP outlines the scope of work, a proposed timeline, and submission instructions through the County Purchasing office. Firms with relevant experience are being asked to detail methodologies, deliverables, and how they will benchmark Buncombe County against comparably sized jurisdictions and private sector employers. The county will use responses from the procurement process to select a consultant to undertake the review.

The study carries direct implications for county operations. Classification updates can clarify duties and reporting relationships, which affects workforce organization and service delivery. Compensation adjustments can influence recruitment and retention of employees who provide public safety, health, and administrative services. County managers will need to weigh any recommended pay changes against budget constraints, and commissioners will face policy choices about funding priorities during upcoming budget cycles.

Equity and competitiveness are central issues in the RFP. A compensation structure seen as fair and market aligned may reduce turnover and improve morale, while gaps between market pay and county pay can create staffing pressures that ripple into service levels. The results of the study could also enter local political debates. Changes to pay or classification structures often factor into fiscal discussions during commission meetings and can influence voter perceptions when budget decisions are on the ballot.

Residents should follow the procurement process and subsequent county presentations to understand how recommendations might affect county services and taxes. The County Purchasing office will manage proposal submissions and notify the public about consultant selection and the study timeline, and the Board of Commissioners will ultimately consider policy and budget responses to any findings.