Negotiating Salary for Government (County)

Hi,

I have a job offer from a city government. The salary range is 10 steps and I am offered step 1, the absolute lowest in the range.

Is it possible to counter offer to not be in step 1? My reasons for counter offering would be that step 1 is what I make now. Taking the offer means I would add 2 hours roundtrip to my commute and add transportation costs. At this salary, taking the job would not be worth it.

Are city governments willing to entertain counter offers? If so, any tips on how I could counter without them rescinding?

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