WARSAW — Salary ordinances for city employees and elected officials received lengthy discussion Monday evening at the Warsaw Common Council meeting. The employee ordinance passed with a 4-1 vote on the first reading, while the elected official ordinance received no action and will be discussed at the November meeting.

Cindy Dobbins, councilwoman, stated she would like to have more time to review the proposed ordinances, as the information was received late Monday. She was the lone vote against approving the employee ordinance on the first reading. Dobbins and Mike Klondaris voted against approving the elected officials ordinance on the first reading.

Jennifer Whitaker, human resources, presented the ordinances, who along with Diane Quance, councilwoman, stated it has been a two-year process to bring city employees pay in line with other comparable towns. The new ordinance also established a grid for wages. The ordinance provides the maximum pay for an employee.

The new ordinance essentially organizes employees into classes based on certifications, job descriptions, licenses, etc. Employees would receive a 2 percent pay increase, with those having specific licenses and certifications receiving additional increases along with longevity pay. “It is to bring them up to competitive area wages,” stated Mayor Joe Thallemer. Some, such as mechanics will also receive a “tool” allowance as they use their own tools to repair city equipment.

It was noted the city, because of its pay scale, has trouble keeping such employees as equipment operators, maintenance technicians, mechanics, plumbers. The goal, according to Quance is to make Warsaw their career, where they will stay and raise their family for a long time.

Thallemer announced the employees will be paying a 4 percent increase for health insurance. The city’s health plan increased 5 percent or $120,000 over last year. The city is also increasing the deductible to $1,000. For a single employee this would equate to a $92 a year increase. The employee portion of the increase will save the city $80,000.

It was stated the employee ordinance needed to be passed by Nov. 1. Since that date is a Sunday, it is uncertain if the next council meeting on Nov. 2, would be the new deadline. A special meeting will be called to act on the ordinance if necessary.

During discussion of the elected officials salary ordinance, it was noted once the ordinance is approved it cannot be changed. This ordinance also included a 2 percent pay increase for elected officials and a 3 percent pay increase for the clerk-treasurer. This ordinance needs approval by Dec. 31.

Klondaris motioned the elected official ordinance be tabled, with Dobbins making the second. The vote was 2-3. Quance then made a motion to accept the first reading, with Jeff Grose making the second. The vote was 3-2, not passing. It was noted four favorable votes would be needed to pass any motion. It will be brought back to the November meeting.

Dobbins and Klondaris requested additional information on the clerk-treasurer’s pay scale for better understanding.

The ordinance for fire territory salaries – including a 2 percent pay increase, and language for longevity similar to the police department’s salary ordinance, was approved unanimously.

To see a copy of the salary ordinances click here.