(a) The town manager and/or other designated official shall make or cause to have made such comparative studies as it deems necessary, of the factors affecting the level of salary ranges prior to the preparation of the annual budget as well as at other times. On the basis of information derived from such studies, the town manager and/or other designated official shall recommend to the town council such changes in salary ranges as it deems necessary to maintain the fairness and adequacy of the overall salary structure.

(b) The rate of pay for each employee shall be adjusted in conformance with the adjustment of the pay range for the class to which his position is allocated; provided that any employee receiving a salary in excess of the maximum rate provided for the class to which his position is allocated shall receive no further merit increase until such time as the salary for the class is greater than the salary he is receiving.

(Ord. of March 12, 1991, art. II, § 3)