COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE
Tim Ladd, Administrator/Controller
Osceola County Administration Building
602 W. Upton Avenue, Reed City, MI 49677
(231) 832-6196; (231) 832-6197 Fax
oscadmin@osceolacountymi.gov
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY
OSCEOLA COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Introduction
Osceola County, Michigan, is seeking qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive
Classification and Compensation Study for all County employees, including all elected
officials and County Commissioners. This study will help ensure Osceola County maintains
fair, equitable, and competitive compensation practices that support effective recruitment,
retention, and operational efficiency.
Background
Osceola County employs staff across multiple departments and includes a mix of full-time and
part-time roles. The County requires a thorough review of all job descriptions, classification
systems, and compensation structures. All elected official positions must be included in the
study. All wage comparisons must use Michigan counties with comparable taxable values to
ensure relevant and accurate benchmarking.
Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study include:
• Review, update, and standardize all job descriptions.
• Confirm and document the total number of positions and employees.
• Evaluate internal equity across all positions.
• Conduct a market wage analysis using only Michigan counties comparable in taxable
value.
• Provide recommended improvements to the County’s classification and compensation
system.
• Develop a sustainable, modern compensation plan aligned with Osceola County’s
operational goals.
Scope of Work
Job Description Review
• Review and revise existing job descriptions.
• Interview employees or supervisors as needed.
• Ensure each description accurately reflects essential duties, required skills, qualifications,
and physical demands.
Employee and Position Inventory
• Verify total number of County employees and job classifications.
• Identify outdated, duplicative, or inconsistent job structures.
Classification System Evaluation
• Assess the current classification structure.
• Recommend revisions to classification groupings, titles, and hierarchies.
Compensation Analysis
• Conduct wage comparisons using only Michigan counties with similar taxable values.
• Analyze internal equity and provide recommendations for adjustments.
• Develop recommended pay ranges and overall compensation structure, including for
elected officials, commissioners, Non-Union, and Union employees.
Deliverables
• Completed and updated job descriptions for all positions.
• Revised classification structure and recommendations.
• Market comparison data and methodology.
• Proposed compensation plan with salary ranges including Grades and Steps.
• Implementation steps with cost projections.
• Final written report and presentation to the Osceola County Board of Commissioners.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include:
1. Firm Background – history, qualifications, and relevant experience.
2. Project Team – names, roles, and resumes of key staff.
3. Methodology – proposed approach, process, and tools.
4. Timeline – estimated start date, milestones, and completion date.
5. Similar Project Experience – at least three comparable studies, preferably within
Michigan.
6. References – minimum of three governmental clients.
7. Cost Proposal – detailed and itemized cost structure.
8. Sample Work Products – examples of previous job descriptions, studies, or
compensation models (if available).
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Demonstrated experience and qualifications.
• Familiarity with county operations and Michigan wage benchmarks.
• Clarity and strength of proposed methodology.
• Cost-effectiveness.
• Timeliness and ability to meet deadlines.
• Quality of references and past performance.
Submission Instructions
Deadline
All proposals must be received no later than December 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM (EST).
Submission Address
Osceola County Administration Office
602 W. Upton Avenue
Reed City, MI 49677
Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked:
“RFP – Classification and Compensation Study.”
Late proposals will not be accepted.
Questions
All questions must be submitted in writing to Osceola County Administrator/Controller Tim
Ladd at oscadmin@osceolacountymi.gov. Responses may be shared with all interested proposers
if deemed necessary.
Reservation of Rights
Osceola County reserves the right to:
• Reject any or all proposals.
• Request additional information.
• Waive formalities.
• Accept the proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the County.
Proposed Timeline
Activity
RFP Issued
Date
November 19th 2025
Proposal Deadline December 8th 2025 – 2:00 PM
Review Period
December 2025
Vendor Selection
January 2026
Project Start
Upon Contract Approval
Study Completion
July 10th 2026
This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.