Souderton council approves updated employee handbook and pension COLA, moves into executive session

Souderton Borough Council on March 2 approved an updated employee handbook incorporating legal edits and authorized cost-of-living adjustments for its uniform and non-uniform pension plans before moving into an executive session on a pending litigation matter.

The council voted by voice vote to adopt the employee handbook updates after Chair called for a motion and a councilor seconded. The manager indicated the handbook language incorporates necessary legal updates and is expected to take effect April 1. “I need a motion from council to approve the proposed employee handbook,” the Chair said during the meeting; a motion was made and seconded and the body voiced approval.

Separately, council approved annual COLA adjustments for both the uniform and non-uniform pension plans as calculated by Gerard Pension Consultants. The manager explained auditors require documented council approval of the pension adjustments for the audit record. The motion passed by voice vote; no detailed vote tally was recorded in the public meeting minutes.

After those actions, the solicitor asked the council to move into an executive session to discuss litigation dating to 2024 regarding a property at 539 Valley Lane. The council moved into executive session and did not return to public session that night.

Council materials and formal written decisions referenced at the meeting — including the solicitor’s forthcoming written decision on the conditional-use approval for Taco Bell at Towngate Commons (not adopted tonight) — will be provided at a future meeting for formal adoption or further action.