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Whiteland amends 2025 salary ordinance to add water-operator bonus, changes title
Summary
The Whiteland Town Council approved amendments to the 2025 salary ordinance to recognize a newly licensed water operator, add a temporary bonus schedule tied to license retention and change the water laborer title; council also directed staff to draft a future policy on certifications and repayment terms.
The Whiteland Town Council voted to amend the town's 2025 salary ordinance to add pay recognition and a title change for the employee who earned a water operator license.
Council members approved on first and second reading — and by suspending rules to adopt the changes the same night — language that would change the existing "water laborer" title to "water operator" (or similar title) and attach an asterisked bonus of $25/100 (presented in transcript as "$25,100" but discussed as three staggered payments) paid in three installments during 2025 if the employee remains employed in the position and continues to hold a valid water operator license.
Councilmembers said the action was intended to reward and retain a staff member who earned a water license and to protect the town's investment should the employee leave. During discussion, members asked staff to draft a policy for future training and certification payments, including repayment terms if a licensed employee departs shortly after the town paid for credentials.
Carmen Young, director of administration, explained the technical corrections to the ordinance and that the proposed revision reflects payroll coding and percentage allocations across funds for administrative staff. She also read the suggested bonus language into the record and worked with councilmembers to clarify timing, which they set for three payments spaced roughly four months apart in 2025.
Council debate emphasized two points repeatedly: the operational significance and legal risk tied to holding a water operator license, and the town's interest in ensuring its investment in employee training is protected. One councilmember noted that the licensed operator effectively carries responsibility for regulatory compliance and testing: if water-system requirements are not met, the license-holder faces penalties; the council argued that recognition and safeguards were appropriate.
Council directed staff and legal counsel to draft a standard policy for future certification and license reimbursements (for water, sewer, CDL, and similar credentials) that would set eligibility, repayment terms and performance expectations. The council said such a policy should be included in the employee handbook or as a standalone administrative policy.
The amended salary ordinance was approved in a roll-call vote on the motion to adopt as amended. The record shows the following yes votes in the roll-call for adoption on second reading after suspension of rules: Tim Brown (yes); Preston Vincent (yes); Joe Stallard (yes); Richard Hill (yes); and one additional affirmative making the motion carry 5-0.
The council also agreed to revisit the employee's title and pay in the 2026 salary ordinance process.
Ending: Councilmembers said staff will prepare the formal ordinance amendment language and a draft personnel policy addressing training, certification bonuses and any necessary repayment clauses; the ordinance as amended will be posted in the town's minutes.
