City Council members approved a recommendation by Mayor Jackie Crabtree for "up to" a 3 percent raise for city employees with discretion of department heads.
"I'd like to recommend a 3 percent raise," Crabtree told council members Tuesday, Dec. 17. "Last year we did a 2 percent."
"I thought we were trying to stay with what Social Security was doing," Bob Cottingham, alderman, said.
Crabtree told the council members the city could afford the 3 percent raises. "We're managing okay and keeping our expenses in line.
City Clerk Sandy Button broached the subject of a raise for the mayor who has not had a raise in four years.
"It has to be by ordinance, so you can't do it tonight … it has been at the same rate for quite a few years," Button said, adding that the salary is $45,000.
After discussion, council members asked Howard Slinkard, city attorney, to prepare an ordinance with a blank for the amount, for a raise for the mayor to be considered at the next council meeting.
During the discussion, Crabtree announced his intention to run for re-election in November 2014.
"I think you're doing a fine job," Cottingham said. "I think the city benefits from your expertise."
The mayor commended Nathan See, street superintendent, and all department heads for the additional work they put in during the recent snow fall. "Everybody was out. A lot of people said things… but they don't understand. You have to have a certain temperature before the salt will work to melt the ice. I appreciate everybody and all they did."
In other business, the council:
• Amended the 2013 budget to reflect actual expenses and income; and
• Transfered $75,000 from Impact Fees to the Street Fund.
Council member Nadine Telgemeier was absent.
General News on 12/25/2013