Council approves higher pay, authorizes up to five summer college interns

A staff member asked the Lancaster City Council to raise pay for the city’s summer college intern program, saying the $7.25 hourly rate in place since 2015 has led to a steep drop in applications and that last year the city received only one applicant. The staff member said the council should increase the rate to $12 an hour and authorize more positions so departments can place eligible students across offices.

The request was framed as both a recruitment issue and a workforce-development tool: the staff member said internships give college students experience that can help fill vacancies as an aging workforce retires. Council members asked about budget timing and whether the city could absorb additional hires within existing appropriations or through year-end carryovers.

Staff explained the program runs 10 weeks starting in May and that funds budgeted across fiscal years can be carried forward; if spending exceeds budget the council could consider a year-end adjustment, and for smaller overruns staff can execute transfers under established thresholds. Council members also discussed outreach to local colleges and putting postings on the city website to boost applications.

Council Member Harris made the motion to authorize up to five interns at the revised pay; after discussion the council approved the motion on roll call with all members recorded as voting yes. The council directed staff to manage the budget implications through existing carryover and adjustment procedures and to pursue outreach to area colleges to recruit applicants.

The action authorizes up to five summer college intern positions and the pay increase as described in the presentation; staff retained responsibility for final budget adjustments consistent with city finance rules.