Committee reviews proposed changes to nonunion compensation schedule, including pay for temporary fills

The Gardner City Finance Committee reviewed two proposed amendments to the city’s nonunion compensation schedule, discussing pay parity for temporary fills and corrections to job titles included in exhibit F.

Mayor said the first ordinance would add a new section to the nonunion compensation schedule to cover temporary or intermittent positions, giving temporary workers the same wage rate a covered employee would receive under a collective-bargaining agreement. “If we have a temporary electrical inspector that comes in… they’re getting paid the same rate of what that employee would have been paid under the collective bargaining agreement,” the mayor said, arguing the change would reduce paperwork and make pay more consistent and fair.

The second ordinance would update exhibit F of the compensation schedule to include department-head titles such as director of veteran services, director of purchasing and procurement, civil enforcement director, city auditor and director of community development and planning; mayor said these are largely title clarifications to match budget line items and that lifeguard pay increases are set to take effect July 1 for the swim season. Councilors asked about crediting previous years of service and about step recommendations; the mayor said staff will submit step recommendations to the full council following first printing so the council can ratify them.

Both items were discussed as first readings and will remain on the committee agenda for further review and formal action.