ANI and the Human Resources Division told the committee they want to move the state's pay tables closer to the most recent market pay tables rather than revert to a simpler ‘‘move everyone to 90%’’ step. HRD presented market‑lag analysis showing the state's overall pay tables lag the 2024 market pay table by roughly 8.7% on average; particular occupational families are further behind (nursing ~21.2% behind, attorneys ~17.9%; lower pay grades C–G lag ~14.6–15.6%). HRD argued a targeted pay‑table move to 2024 would better close gaps in hard‑to‑staff roles while preserving gains made during prior phases.

Director Bach and HRD Administrator Erin Williams said prior phase moves (phase 1–3) fixed compression in many areas but did not fully catch up targeted occupational groups. Williams said the intent of a pay‑table move is to put the state in a maintenance posture so it does not fall several years behind and require another costly catch‑up cycle. Committee members asked how the pay‑table move compares to inflation and neighboring states; HRD said Wyoming has not matched increases seen by many comparator states over the past decade and supplied comparative figures used in their market methodology.

Separately, Employee Group Insurance (EGI) reported claim experience had drawn down reserves by roughly $43 million since January 2024; EGI's actuarial consultants recommended either a one‑time ~17% premium increase to restore reserves immediately or a phased approach (10.4% over three years). Given agency budget constraints and the risk of shifting costs entirely to employees, administrators proposed a 6.3% premium increase effective Jan. 1 as a more gradual step to stabilize reserves while limiting employer contribution shocks. Karen Williams (EGI program manager) said the plan is still within the chosen floor/ceiling reserve policy and staff will monitor monthly; the committee asked for a written reserve status and the actuarial memo for follow‑up.

Committee next steps include requests for additional data on turnover cost tradeoffs, a more detailed comparison to neighboring states, and agency‑level budget impacts if the premium or pay‑table proposals are adopted.