New Market council approves water-project payments, software purchases and targeted staff raises; 5% citywide raise fails

The New Market City Council on Dec. 19, 2024 approved payments for two water‑project pay applications, authorized technology and mapping purchases, and approved targeted staff raises while rejecting a proposed 5% pay increase for all city employees.

The actions came at the council’s regular meeting convened by Mayor Pro‑Tem Mike DeVoe. Councilmembers Larry McAlpin, Gene Chapman and Justin Savage were present; Mayor Frank Sefrit was absent. The minutes list Austin Smith (role not specified in the minutes), City Superintendent Ben Fritz and City Clerk Megan Wright as attending staff.

Why it matters: The council authorized immediate contract payments and personnel changes that affect city operations and budgets, including pay applications for ongoing water‑system work and permanent changes to staff wages.

Key approvals and votes • Consent agenda: Councilmember Gene Chapman moved and Councilmember Justin Savage seconded approval of the consent agenda — including the agenda, November minutes, claims for city entities (Museum, Fire Department, Mighty Wash), financial reports and reconciliations — and the motion carried unanimously (4‑0).

• Miner Pavilion rules: On a motion by Councilmember Gene Chapman, seconded by Councilmember Larry McAlpin, the council approved new community usage rules for the Miner Pavilion: event rentals remain available as half‑day or full‑day bookings, and non‑event uses such as movie nights or sports practice will be charged $25.00 per hour. Vote 4‑0, motion carried.

• City Attorney contract and GIS mapping: The council approved the 2025 City Attorney contract (motion by Larry McAlpin, seconded by Gene Chapman) and authorized GIS mapping for the town (motion by Justin Savage, seconded by Gene Chapman); both motions carried 4‑0.

• Water‑project pay applications: The council approved Resolution 2024‑43, authorizing Pay Application #2 for Water Project Division 2 to 3D Construction for $35,419.80 (motion by Larry McAlpin, seconded by Gene Chapman), and Resolution 2024‑44, authorizing Pay Application #6 for Water Project Division 1 to Crain Construction for $42,124.34 (motion by Justin Savage, seconded by Gene Chapman). Both resolutions passed 4‑0.

• Equipment and software: The council approved purchase of a new computer for the City Clerk (motion by Justin Savage, seconded by Gene Chapman) and authorized entering an agreement for ClerkBooks Alpha bookkeeping software (motion by Gene Chapman, seconded by Justin Savage). Both motions carried 4‑0.

• Staff pay proposals: A motion by Councilmember Larry McAlpin, seconded by Mayor Pro‑Tem Mike DeVoe, to grant a 5% pay increase to city staff failed on a 2‑2 tie; Councilmembers Justin Savage and Gene Chapman voted no. The council then approved an 8% pay increase specifically for City Superintendent Ben Fritz and City Clerk Megan Wright on a motion by Gene Chapman, seconded by Justin Savage; that motion passed 3‑1 with Mayor Pro‑Tem DeVoe voting against. Later, the council approved raising Librarian Tonya Kennedy’s pay to $11.00 per hour on a motion by Larry McAlpin, seconded by Gene Chapman; vote 4‑0.

What the minutes do not show: The published minutes record motions, seconds and vote tallies but do not include direct quotes, public comments or staff presentations; no public comments are recorded in the citizen forum entry.

The meeting adjourned after a motion by Councilmember Justin Savage that was seconded by Gene Chapman. The council set its next regular meeting for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.