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Council declares emergency to raise seasonal lifeguard pay to remain competitive
Summary
To address a shortfall of returning lifeguards and match neighboring cities’ wages, the council voted to amend seasonal pay ranges and adopt the change as an emergency so hiring can proceed before the pool season.
Facing a shortage of returning lifeguards, the University Heights City Council on March 3 approved an emergency amendment to the non-bargaining salary schedule to raise top hourly pay ranges for seasonal pool staff so the city can offer competitive starting wages.
Mayor Ginsburg and pool managers told council neighboring communities are advertising lifeguard starting wages around $17 per hour, while University Heights was offering about $13. Council members said raising pay is necessary to staff the pool, maintain programming, and preserve single-sex swim nights that require male lifeguards.
The administration said the full budget impact needs examination; Finance Director Kennedy said an amendment to the budget would likely be required depending on the final hourly rate. Council members urged speed because other jurisdictions were already posting positions. Council voted to suspend rules and declare an emergency so the pay change takes effect immediately and the administration can recruit at the higher rate.
Council asked the administration to provide historical part-time payroll data and estimates of the budget impact at the revised wage levels; the Recreation Committee planned to review revenue and expenses at its next meeting. No final budget amendment figures were adopted on March 3.
