Council advances pay‑scale resolution for non‑contract employees; no retroactive raises

Council members reviewed Resolution 04‑2026, a proposal to institute a step scale for non‑contract employees. Staff presented the measure and compared the proposed plan to a Cedar Rapids posting that showed a starting hourly rate of about $20.73 and multi‑year step increases. The staff presenter said the town’s schedule would provide step increases roughly every five years with cost‑of‑living adjustments between larger step jumps.

Staff described mechanics of the scale: employees would move along set steps at tenure benchmarks (for example, larger raises at five‑ and ten‑year marks) and the resolution would not provide retroactive (back) pay. In reply to council questions, staff said the scale applies to raises based on tenure rather than a starting wage schedule and that hiring policies could be adjusted in the future if council directs.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; several council members voiced support in the meeting record. Staff said only a small number of current employees would reach a next step within the coming months; the broad application could benefit longer‑tenured employees more than recent hires.

If adopted formally, the resolution will replace ad‑hoc bonus actions with a consistent step system for non‑contract employees. Staff said adjustments will be implemented at the next eligible benchmark for each employee and that the resolution as discussed contains no provision for retroactive pay.