Athens City Council approves new pay scale adjustments for city employees

In a recent Athens City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around employee compensation and infrastructure improvements, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing community services and supporting its workforce.

One of the key topics was a proposed adjustment to the city’s pay scale, aimed at addressing salary disparities among employees. City officials noted that many entry-level workers were earning similar salaries to those who had been with the city for several years. To rectify this, a new pay structure was introduced, which includes a step increase based on years of service. Employees with 5 to 10 years of service will receive a one-step increase, those with 10 to 15 years will see a two-step increase, and employees with over 15 years will benefit from a three-step increase. This initiative is expected to not only improve employee morale but also help retain experienced staff, as nearly half of the city’s 454 employees have less than five years of service.

In addition to the pay scale adjustments, the council discussed several infrastructure projects. A resolution was passed to authorize a lease for a new wireless telecommunication tower, which aims to enhance connectivity in the area. The council also addressed the need for repairs to guardrails on Nuclear Plant Road, allocating up to $4,750 for the repairs, funded by the gas tax fund. This decision comes in response to ongoing issues with vehicles colliding with the guardrails.

Further discussions included the approval of drainage structure repairs on West Hobbs Street, with a budget of up to $50,000, also funded by the gas tax. The council is actively working to improve the city’s infrastructure, ensuring that essential services are maintained and enhanced for residents.

As the meeting concluded, the council emphasized the importance of these initiatives in fostering a supportive work environment and improving community infrastructure. The decisions made during this session are expected to have a lasting impact on both city employees and Athens residents, aligning with broader goals of community development and service enhancement.