City Of Warsaw Seeks To Boost Some Seasonal Pay Rates
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW – While efforts to hike the federal and state minimum wage remain far below the often-touted $15 per hour level, folks on Main Street are seeing it happen.
On Monday, Warsaw City Council took the first step toward boosting hourly rates for more seasonal workers.
The change would affect about six positions, including the campground manager ($18 per hour), recreation leader ($15 per hour), lifeguards ($14 per hour) and a head lifeguard ($15 per hour).
Some hourly rates would rise as much as $2.75 per hour. On average, the hourly rates would increase by $1.40.
Clerk-Treasurer Lynne Christiansen introduced the idea and said it’s needed to retain and attract employees for this summer
Warsaw Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer said some other seasonal positions on city payroll already make $15 per hour.
He said the campground manager has 20 years of experience and is helpful with electrical issues.
Mayor Joe Thallemer supports the change.
“This really underscores the importance of trying to get qualified folks into our system,” Thallemer said.
Council took the first of two votes needed to make the change. The next vote could come at the council’s next meeting on April 19.
Indiana and the federal government both have a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Michigan is at $9.65. Ohio is $8.80, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.