2022.12.19 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038 • (651) 762‐6300 • www.ci.hugo.mn.us TO: Honorable Mayor Tom Weidt and Members of the City Council FROM: Bryan Bear, City Administrator SUBJECT: 2023 Salary Resolution DATE: For the City Council Meeting of December 19, 2022 DESIRED COUNCIL ACTION Adoption of Resolution Setting 2023 Salaries and Employee Reimbursement Levels CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION At the August 31, 2022 mid‐year budget review, the Finance Department suggested the City’s salary matrix be adjusted by a 4.5% cost of living increase and that employees who had not yet reached their paygrade maximums be granted step increases. During the 2023 budget process the City Council indicated their willingness to include these adjustments in the 2023 budget. Council approved the 2023 budget containing these adjustments at their December 5, 2022 Council Meeting. After consulting with Department Heads, and with the assistance of the Finance Department, the City Administrator hereby submits the attached salary resolution for City Council consideration. SALARY ADJUSTMENTS The proposed resolution incorporates the Council’s previous actions and direction to staff as stated above. Fourteen (14) of the City’s twenty‐seven (27) full‐time employees will receive step increases. The City hired a new Associate Planner in 2022, which took the place of the previously budgeted City Planner position. The net aggregate dollar increase due to a 4.5% cost of living adjustment equals $101,525. The overall net aggregate dollar increase, including the cost of living adjustment and step increases, equals $146,258, of which $116,268 is contained in the general fund budget. The remainder is included in the water and sewer operating fund. The overall budget for employee wages will increase by 6.3%. It is worth noting that the Community Development Assistant position is currently vacant; therefore, this position appears on the salary resolution at the corresponding pay grade minimum. FIRE DEPARTMENT RETENTION PLAN Nine years ago, the Fire Department implemented a retention program designed to provide an incentive for firefighters to remain in the department for at least ten years. This program increased the hourly rate of pay by $0.50 for each firefighter that completed at least 5 years of service. The hourly rate of pay for those that qualified would increase an additional $0.50 per hour, each year, until years of service reached ten. The program has been successful and the Fire Chief has asked that the hourly rate of pay for those who qualify be increased by an additional $0.50 per hour. The salary resolution contains a provision whereby firefighters who have completed at least 5 years of service (but less than ten) on the department as of 01/01/2023 will receive an additional $1.00 per hour. FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE PAY In an effort to encourage attendance at recognized fire organization sponsored conferences, the Fire Chief is recommending that each firefighter be paid $156 per day (or a pro‐rated portion thereof for less than a full day) for attending these conferences.