By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the Dec. 9 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, the topic with the most discussion was pay increases for city staff. Council members and department heads discussed the advantages of setting a specific dollar amount for increases versus a percentage. Over time, percentage increases will increase the gaps between newer and long-term employee wages, they said. On the other hand, increases using an across-the-board dollar amount, over time, decreases the comparative incentive and reward for long-term employees.
City Clerk/Administrator Kris Arrasmith explained that the city has strived to keep the gaps between employees’ pay from becoming excessive.
“I feel like we have a really good core group of people now, and I’d like to see us keep them all happy and keep them here,” Arrasmith said.
Councilmember Garold Thomas asked Arrasmith how much she had budgeted for in wage increases.
“Just a 5% across the board, in all departments,” Arrasmith replied.
Arrasmith went on to say that, overall, the cost of 5% increases is nearly identical to a $1.50 hourly increase for all employees. The council mulled the pros and cons of each approach.
“No matter which way you go, there will be people who’ll complain, and they’ll have statistics to back their position,” Councilmember Garold Thomas said.
The council voted 3-1 in favor of a $1.50 hourly increase across the board. Ian Steensen was the sole vote against this.
The council approved replacing the city’s server in City Hall, per a quote from Panora Fiber.
Resolution 2024-21 (“Resolution Authorizing the Destruction of City Records as Allowed by the Iowa Municipal Records Manual”) was approved. Arrasmith explained this is an annual matter that comes to the council, mostly as a formality.
Street Department Director Darrin Sloss provided an update.
“It’s been business as usual,” he said, adding that his crew has been preparing for dealing with the snow that is certain to come.
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved a beer/liquor license renewal for Pine Room and a fence permit for 902 Tiger Lane (Eischeid). As of now, the council plans to not hold a second regular meeting in December, so the next regular meeting will be Monday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.