The City of The Dalles has embarked on a study of the compensation packages for exempt employees, such as the City Manager and the police chief, among others, and comparing them with pay scales in similar communities. Mayor Steve Lawrence says they are trying to get ahead of the curve as baby boomers begin to retire, recruitment becomes a key issue, and the City will need to determine whether pay ranges need to be adjusted. The City Council approved a two percent cost of living increase for exempt employees this week.