Joint Meeting of Greenville City Council and Greenville Utilities Commission Board - April 20, 2026

The Greenville City Council and Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) Board held a joint meeting on April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor P.J. Connelly called the City Council to order and Chair Garner called the GUC Board to order. Both bodies confirmed quorums and unanimously approved the agenda. No public comments were made. The meeting focused on three main agenda items: a classification and compensation study, a market adjustment/merit allocation program for FY 2026-2027, and a review of the 401(k) employer contribution.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the September 22, 2025 Joint City Council–GUC Board meeting was listed on the agenda but was not discussed or voted on during the meeting. No speaker addressed this item in the transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public registered to speak or provided comment. The 30-minute public comment period concluded with no speakers.

Discussion Items

• Classification & Compensation Study Presentation – Erin Edwards of Siegel, the consulting firm, presented the results of a comprehensive study. Key findings: 599 job description questionnaires were completed covering 407 unique job titles; 140 benchmark positions were surveyed across 25 public-sector and utility peers. The overall market competitiveness of the joint pay plan was 98% of the market midpoint. Of employees in benchmarked roles, 42% fell within the competitive range (95%–105% of market), 27% were below, and 18% above. The study recommended updating salary structures to meet market at 100% of midpoint, with wider range widths (59%) and progressive midpoint differentials. For police, an average 14% increase in range minimums was proposed to address recruitment; for fire/rescue, a 5.5% increase. Implementation Option 1B (bringing all employees below minimum to 5% above the new minimum) was recommended, with total estimated costs of $575,000 for City general employees, $293,215 for GUC general employees, $151,176 for fire, and $243,559 for police. GUC Chair noted the pay plan’s 15-year progression as a success.
• Market Adjustment/Merit Allocation for FY 2026-2027 – City HR Director Leah Futrell presented. Based on salary surveys (five of seven responded, average 4.0% projected increase) and local private employer data (3.7% current average, 4.0% projected), a 3.25% pay adjustment was requested due to budget constraints. Councilmember Hardy asked about the minimum salary: currently $35,485 annually ($17.06/hour), proposed to rise slightly to $35,600 ($17.12/hour). After six months, employees receive a 5% increase. Councilmember Willis expressed a heavy heart over not being able to give a larger raise, citing tough budget decisions. Councilmember Hardy noted that the minimum wage remains insufficient for housing and food security. Both bodies approved the 3.25% adjustment.
• Review of 401(k) Employer Contribution – GUC HR Director Richie Shrees provided an informational update. In 2024, a phased increase was approved: from $40/pay period to 3% in FY2024-25, 4% in FY2025-26, and 5% effective January 2027. The increase aligned GUC with sworn law enforcement (5% by statute) and improved recruitment/retention. No vote was required.

Key Outcomes

• Vote – Classification Study Recommendation (Option 1B): City Council passed unanimously (6-0) on motion by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Scully. GUC Board passed unanimously (6-0) on motion by Commissioner Godley, second by Commissioner Fuller. The approved implementation directs staff to implement the new salary structures and bring employees below minimum to 5% above the new minimum.
• Vote – Market Adjustment/Merit Allocation (3.25% for FY2026-2027): City Council passed unanimously (6-0) on motion by Councilmember Willis, second by Mayor Pro Tem Foreman. GUC Board passed unanimously (6-0) on motion by Commissioner Swain, second by Dr. Carr.
• 401(k) Contribution: The planned increase to 5% employer contribution effective January 2027 was acknowledged; no further action taken.
• Discrepancy Note: Agenda Item 1 (Approval of Minutes from September 22, 2025) was not addressed in the meeting transcript; no motion, discussion, or vote occurred on that item.