Page 79 - Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual

Section 500.304 Minimum Wage Policy

Augusta, Georgia adheres strictly to both the U.S. Department of Labor and the Georgia Department of
Labor’s minimum wage requirements. The minimum hourly wage paid to all staff, including part time,
temporary, and limited service employees, is regulated by the current U.S. Department of Labor federal
minimum wage or Georgia Department of Labor minimum wage whichever is higher.

Section 500.305 Red Circle Rate (Amended & Approved on June 27, 2024)

Employees who are above the maximum of their salary grade are ineligible to receive any additional
increase to the base salary.

However, if an employee is rated as “Exceeds” in an overall evaluation during the annual review process,
the employee will be eligible for a lump sum payment equal to their full amount of merit on an annual basis.
If the employee receives a “Meet Expectations” rating on their review, the employee will be eligible for a
lump sum payment equal to one-half of their merit increase on an annual basis. This policy is effective
from date of approval of this policy manual. This policy is subject to approval of budget and availability of
funds.

The above provisions notwithstanding, effective upon the approval of this policy, any employee who is above
the maximum of their salary grade is still eligible to receive Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), at the same
time and in the same manner as non-red circle employees.

Section 500.306 Green Circle Rate

Green Circle Rate is the rate of pay that is less than the minimum established rate for that pay grade. An
employee paid under this circumstance will be eligible for adjustments that will bring that person’s salary
up to the minimum of the salary range depending on availability of funds. The Human Resources Director
and the Administrator may make the adjustment as deemed necessary.

Section 500.307 Base Step Increases or Within Grade Increases Pay Schedules

Note: The following is a BASE Within-grade Increases Pay Schedule Policy. All Augusta, Georgia
employees that satisfy the requirements of this policy shall receive pay adjustments above the base pay
when funds are available.

Authority of the Administrator

The Administrator shall have the authority to approve all classifications, reclassifications, pay adjustments
and final decision authority of classification appeals.

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to provide employees of Augusta, Georgia the opportunity to receive pay
adjustments based on their job performance including extended tenure in office. This program is also
designed to help process pay-related actions that occur when there is no change in the employee's
department, appointment status, position, or grade.

Description

All Rights Reserved – As approved by the Commission on 05-07-2019 79 | P a g e