Administrator asks council to approve $4,000 pay increase, contract on Sept. 14 agenda

The administrator informed the council that they will seek council approval on Sept. 14 for a new employment contract that would raise annual compensation by about $4,000.

"I am asking for about $4,000 more. So from a 115,814 up to a 119,780," the administrator said, explaining the request reflected 10 months of work in the role, a compensation-and-class study and reorganization of city responsibilities. The administrator also said part of the increase reflects back pay tied to the interim period.

Council members pressed for clarity about how a "merit increase based on the grade and step scale" would apply if other staff do not transition to the same scale. The administrator said they were awaiting guidance from Mary and would inform council once that detail is resolved.

Several council members said fairness to other staff who took on added duties should be considered. One member noted that Marie already received a wage bump at a prior meeting and asked whether similar adjustments would be made for other staff. Another member urged finalizing the administrator's contract quickly so the city can move forward.

The council did not vote on the contract at this meeting; the administrator asked the council to place the item on the Sept. 14 agenda for formal approval.