Jefferson city employees had Christmas in July when the city council approved wage increases at its regular meeting July 26.
The city and AFSCME Local 3949 agreed to a 5-year in January 2021. That contract set wage increases for the first three years, with a 4.25 percent increases July 1 of 2022 and 2023.
Wages for other city employees were set to increase 3 percent in each of those years.
The contract called for negotiating wages for 2024 and 2025.
The city council at its July26 meeting approved a memorandum of understanding that eliminates wage negotiations for the remainder of the contract. In exchange, police officers received a one-time 2.75 percent wage increase effective Aug. 1, 2022, in addition to the increase that was effective July 1.
Employees who received the 3 percent increase July 1 received an additional one-time 3 percent increase effective Aug. 1.
All employees covered by the union contract, including police officers, will receive a 3 percent wage increase July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.
Non-union city employees received an additional one-time 2 percent increase Aug. 1. They received a 4 percent increase July 1.
City administrator Mike Palmer’s salary was increased another 2 percent above the 4 percent increase he received July 1. That brings his annual salary to $115,627.
In other business, the council approved the third reading of an ordinance dealing with microchipping dogs places in impound.
The council also approved the third reading of an ordinance that allows the fire department to charge service fees when cost in responding to a fire or other incident is extreme.
Both ordinances will be effective after they are published as legal notices.
Council member Harry Ahrenholtz reported the council’s streets/water/sewer committee had met with bond advisor Piper Jaffrey about bonding for the wastewater treatment plant and how that will affect future sewer rates.
“There will be an increase in those rates,” Ahrenholtz said. “I don’t know how much yet… but as soon as we know one of the important things will be to communicate that to our customers. The rate would become effective in July of next year.”
He said the committee also discussed water rates. Rates increased 3 percent a year ago. Bolton & Menk is now doing a comprehensive evaluation of the water plant. Once that’s completed, the committee may recommend another increase in water rates, depending on what work needs to be done.
Matt Wetrich reported on the meeting with the architects working on the feasibility study of an indoor pool.
