Joint Greenville City Council & Greenville Utilities Commission Board Meeting – April 22, 2024

The Greenville City Council and the Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) Board held a joint meeting on April 22, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of prior meeting minutes, compensation adjustments for FY 2024–25, and a change to the employer 401(k) contribution. Public comment period included three speakers who raised concerns about trust, transparency, sustainability, and community engagement. All action items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Molly (speaker, no affiliation stated): Expressed skepticism about GUC’s substation project near Belvoir Elementary and a board member’s property, citing the project’s proximity to proposed crypto mining sites, the timing of tree removal before city ordinances were passed, and the “backdoor nature” of the Compute North saga. Noted the project budget was amended to $12,692,000 in January and questioned whether GUC plans to replicate such projects countywide. Urged GUC to beautify Welcome Middle School (where utility poles were installed), improve stump removal, and engage with students. Called for the council to continue working on transparency and accountability.
• Mark Parker (member of CARE): Stated citizens want the council and GUC to regain trust. Highlighted that GUC is “owned by the citizens” but the board selection process does not include all citizens. Called for diversity on boards across Pitt County. Said choices made regarding crypto mining would have been “detrimental” if not for the project falling through. Asked that citizens’ voices be part of decisions and problem-solving.
• Ann Maxwell (no affiliation stated): Referenced the Horizons plan, adopted after Hurricane Floyd, which emphasized protecting natural resources and reducing reliance on finite resources. Expressed disappointment that eight years into the plan, action items have not been accomplished. Suggested that adherence to the plan would have prevented the crypto mining issue. Stressed the need to work as a community on long-range planning.

Discussion Items

1. Approval of Minutes – September 14, 2023 Joint Meeting

Council and GUC board each approved the minutes unanimously (6-0 city, voice vote GUC).

2. Market Adjustment/Merit Allocation for FY 2024–25

City HR Director Leah Futrill and GUC HR Director Richie Shreves presented survey data: projected wage increases averaged 4% from multiple surveys (Catapult: 3.7%, ERI: 3.9%, etc.). Public sector benchmarks (24 of 26 responded) had an average increase of 5.5% in FY 2023–24; projected 5.3% for FY 2024–25 (based on 7 respondents). Private local employers (7 responded) averaged 3.7% for current and projected year. The requested action was a 4% pay adjustment for FY 2024–25, applied as deemed appropriate by each entity. Councilmember Blackburn clarified it is an across-the-board increase, not tied to merit. Approved unanimously (6-0 city, voice vote GUC).

3. Salary Structure Adjustment for FY 2024–25

Leah Futrill explained that World at Work projects salary structure increases of 2.6% for 2024. Adjusting the joint pay plan salary structures by 2.6% would keep minimums, medians, and maximums market competitive. Councilmember Blackburn asked if combined with the 4% adjustment this meant a 6.6% wage increase; Futrill clarified the 2.6% applies only to salary structure (affecting new employee pay grades), not to individual wages. Approved unanimously (6-0 city, voice vote GUC).

4. 401(k) Employer Contribution

Richie Shreves presented a proposal: change the current $40 per pay period flat contribution to a 3% per pay period contribution for full-time and part-time 30 employees, effective FY 2024–25. Sworn law enforcement excluded (already receive 5% by state statute). Maintain $40 for part-time employees who would be adversely impacted until their 3% calculation exceeds $40. Also, funding permitting, increase the employer contribution by 0.25% each fiscal year until reaching 3.75%, then reevaluate. Councilmember Daniels asked about current percentage; Shreves noted it is less than 2% (at best 2%) of salary. Councilmember Blackburn confirmed no employee would receive less than current contribution. Councilmember Daniels asked about employee ability to contribute additional own funds; yes, employees can contribute up to IRS limits (approx. $23,000 in 2024). Approved unanimously (6-0 city, 5-0 GUC – one commissioner absent).

Key Outcomes

• Market Adjustment: Approved 4% pay adjustment for FY 2024–25 (unanimous).
• Salary Structure Adjustment: Approved 2.6% adjustment to joint pay plan salary structures (unanimous).
• 401(k) Employer Contribution: Approved change from $40 per pay period to 3% for full-time and part-time 30 employees, with phased increases subject to funding (unanimous). All votes were without recorded opposition.