Work plan · both studies on one calendar

Twenty-four weeks, finished before the fiscal year closes.

The City asked bidders to propose a schedule, and wants the non-public-safety study done inside the fiscal year that ends July 31, 2027. This plan assumes a notice to proceed of Monday, January 11, 2027 and lands final recommendations with the City Manager in May, in time for the FY2028 budget that begins August 1.

24
Weeks from kickoff to final files
3
On-site blocks, plus the Council meeting
4
City decision points: peers, classification, structure, final
May 21
2027: final recommendations to the City Manager and HR
Jun 30
2027: final report and toolkit, a month before fiscal year end

Schedule, HR154-01 and HR154-02

If the City selects HSG for both studies they run on this one calendar: one kickoff week, one data request, one questionnaire window, one survey season, shared site visits and one Council date if the City wishes. If the start date moves, every date moves with it.
ActivityStartComplete
Kickoff with the City Manager and HR Director, in person; data request issued On siteJan 11, 2027Jan 15, 2027
In-person meetings: Police Chief, Fire Chief and command staff (HR154-01); department directors (HR154-02) On siteJan 19, 2027Jan 22, 2027
Data intake: classification plan, job descriptions, incumbent pay file, 2022 study, policies Jan 11, 2027Jan 29, 2027
Peer list, benchmark classes, data sources and matching method to the City Manager and HR for approval City decisionJan 25, 2027Feb 5, 2027
Job-analysis questionnaire open to employees and supervisors Jan 25, 2027Feb 19, 2027
Interviews and group job audits, on site in Fayetteville On siteFeb 22, 2027Mar 5, 2027
Compensation and benefits survey: published plans first, then a short custom survey Feb 8, 2027Mar 26, 2027
Classification recommendations to the City Manager for review before any final determination City decisionMar 15, 2027Apr 2, 2027
Job description revisions, FLSA status, EEO-4 categories, organizational chart Mar 15, 2027Apr 23, 2027
Salary structure, step-progression model, incumbent placement, compression, five-year cost Mar 29, 2027Apr 30, 2027
Starting-pay, promotion and demotion guidelines; maintenance system; policy compatibility review Apr 12, 2027May 7, 2027
Draft report to the City Manager and HR Director City decisionMay 3, 2027May 7, 2027
Final recommendations to the City Manager and HR, in person; employee communication materials On siteMay 17, 2027May 21, 2027
HR staff training: classification session, then compensation session Jun 1, 2027Jun 11, 2027
City Council presentation (date set by the City) On siteJune, 2027
Final report, implementation toolkit and editable files delivered City decisionJun 21, 2027Jun 30, 2027
What the City Manager receives

Status every two weeks

A one-page written status: work done, work next, decisions needed and their dates, and any data still outstanding. A short call whenever a decision cannot wait.

What employees see

Three moments

A notice at kickoff explaining the study, the questionnaire window with a named HR contact, and results delivered with a FAQ, a personal notification letter and a written way to ask for review.

What Council sees

One decision, framed

A short presentation with the recommended structure, its cost in year one and over five years, the phased options, and the maintenance rule that keeps the plan current.