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Council approves emergency pay increase for seasonal lifeguards to remain competitive
Summary
To avoid a lifeguard staffing shortage the council approved an emergency amendment raising the top of the hourly pay range for pool staff and directing administration to offer competitive starting wages; finance staff said a budget amendment will likely be needed.
The University Heights City Council voted Tuesday to amend the non-bargaining salary ordinance on an emergency basis to increase the top end of hourly pay ranges for seasonal pool staff. Council members said neighboring municipalities were advertising higher starting pay, and the change is intended to help the city recruit and retain certified lifeguards for the summer season.
Mayor Ginsburg and Recreation staff said Beechwood and Southwood were hiring lifeguards at roughly $17 per hour while the city’s current starting rates were about $13 per hour. Council adopted a motion to suspend rules and pass the emergency ordinance immediately so administration can offer competitive wages while area employers are actively recruiting.
Finance Director Kennedy said the city will likely need a budget amendment to cover the higher seasonal wages but the department will provide a five‑year history and updated projections at a scheduled recreation meeting. Council discussion included back‑of‑the‑envelope estimates: one councilor noted that adding $4 per hour for a part‑time guard working roughly 20 hours a week for 12 weeks results in about an additional $5,000 per seasonal employee; another councilor estimated the total seasonal cost impact could be tens of thousands of dollars and said staff would return with final figures.
The motion to suspend the reading rule and adopt the emergency pay amendment passed on a roll-call vote; the change is effective immediately. Council asked administration to return with the projected budget impact and any needed appropriation amendments at or before the next meetings.
