By Sara Strong The city of Luverne Tuesday finalized a wage study that started last fall. City Administrator Greg LaFond said the comparable worth evaluation, required by law, eliminates gender inequities and creates a sound basis for future performance evaluations. He said, "This is about positions, not people." The administrator will use a new system of steps and grades during annual performance evaluations, which is simplified from the previous formula. "The comparable worth study is not intended to be a performance review or salary compensation review."LaFond said that future evaluations for salary increases and job reviews won’t involve automatic step increases without merit. The city updated employees‚ job descriptions and responsibilities and considered years of experience in the grading and ranking system for the comparable worth study. Councilman Pat Baustian said, "I think going into this we knew that with retirements and resignations that some positions were going to go up in responsibility." For example, the Public Works Director and Utility Coordinator are no longer with the city. That left supervisors with management duties, but not adjusted salaries. Ken Vos, who manages public works, will earn $25.80 an hour. Al Lais, who manages the water and wastewater department will also earn $25.80 an hour. Finance Director Barb Berghorst holds a high position with the city as a financial planner and information technology coordinator. She earned $30.63 per hour, and will now earn $32.04 per hour. The finance director’s position has had a cumulative salary increase of 1.46 percent from 2000 to 2004. The accountant position in City Hall has taken on more responsibilities since the fall. That position is occupied by Candy Reese, who will earn $21.68 per hour. That position hasn’t had a wage adjustment since 2000, when it was held at $18.73 per hour. During the time it was under a wage freeze, the accountant position actually lost about $4,000 in earnings after cost of living and increased employee share of health insurance are considered.The report was reviewed by Metropolitan Area Management Associates.