Salaries for city employees for the coming fiscal year were officially approved. Police services contracts will receive a roughly 3 percent raise, while public service union employees are receiving a proposed 3.25 percent raise.
Mayor Tom Wieseler recommended an $8,000 raise for city administrator Chris Nosbisch’s salary for the year.
“I see the salary listservs for other communities for city manager positions, and towns like Huxley, which have a smaller population are offering better rates of pay then we currently offer,” Wieseler said.
Council member Scott Rose compiled data on salary rates and the Grinnell College salary study completed years ago.
Wieseler said he was worried last fall when neighboring communities were looking for positions like city manager positions.
“I thought the city needs to be proactive here,” Wieseler said. “That’s why I’m recommending an $8,000 increase.”
Wieseler also noted the city may need to have this discussion again next year.
“I know replacing someone in the city administrator position is going to cost us way more than $8,000,” Wieseler said.
Police chief Doug Shannon’s salary will increase from $101,890 to $105,201.
Public works director Eldon Downs salary will increase from $84,383.92 to $87,126.40 and water plant manager Alex Volkov’s salary will increase from $84,379.86 to $87,122.21.
Marsha Dewell’s salary will increase from $85,501.92 to $88,280.73. CDG director Joe Jennison’s salary will increase from $55,428.45 to $57,229.87.
Parks and recreation director Matt Siders salary will increase from $76,777.43 to $79,272.70, while Sarah Boots will increase from $56,700 to $58,542.75 and Katey Forrest’s salary will increase from $43,050 to $44,449.13.
Fire chief Nathan Goodlove’s salary will increase from $17,251.11 to $17,811.88, while assistant chief Derek Boren’s salary will increase from $5,529.74 to $5,708.94 and Jacob Buster’s salary will increase from $1,105.85 to $1,141.90.