Fraser council discusses 3% baseline pay adjustments and several new or backfilled positions

City manager Levin presented the nonunion wage data and a worksheet showing proposed market adjustments and new positions. Council members generally supported three positions (assistant finance director, recreation clerk and code enforcer) and several seasonal or backfill DPW roles; some positions are replacements rather than net new headcount, staff said.

Council member Shornack recommended a 3% across‑the‑board baseline adjustment as a conservative starting point. Other council members supported a 2.5–3% range for most positions but proposed larger increases for specific roles that fell below market (for example, recreation coordinator and building department manager in the staff worksheet). The city manager said the draft budget packet for May 14 will reflect the changes discussed and that the wage totals in the current recommended budget are inclusive of those draft numbers.

Council did not adopt final wage changes at the workshop and the manager said he would consult with absent members and return a council draft. Staff emphasized the complexity of finalizing nonunion market adjustments and noted union negotiations and budget constraints when considering across‑the‑board increases.

What happens next: Staff will prepare a council draft showing proposed wage adjustments and position changes for the May 14 meeting; council members asked for further review and time to consult with colleagues before formal action.