Council approves budget changes to create water and sewer supervisor posts and discuss training/pay for certifications

At the Sept. 10 Decatur Town Council meeting, members discussed and moved to pass Ordinance 270, which would amend the town budget to create water‑plant and sewer‑plant supervisor positions and enable promotions to operator roles as staff complete required certifications.

Council members emphasized the need for written job descriptions and a schedule of monthly and annual duties before making promotions or finalizing pay adjustments. One council member noted a proposal to give a candidate half the pay difference until they obtain certification and provide the full raise once certified: “We could do it where the candidate gets half the pay difference until they’re certified,” the council discussion said.

Participants raised concerns about fairness and historical on‑the‑job responsibilities, noting that one employee, Mr. Smith, has performed supervisor duties for years without receiving the supervisor salary. A council member said that should be considered when allocating raises and promotions.

Council and staff agreed to hold an executive meeting to review budgets and job descriptions and to pursue internal training options, including available online courses, so the town can promote from within. The engineer and public‑works representatives said training courses exist and suggested leveraging budgeted training funds to support certifications.

The motion to pass the ordinance was moved and seconded; the roll call recorded multiple yes votes and at least one no vote as council proceeded with the ordinance placement for implementation. Staff will present finalized job descriptions and proposed pay schedules at an upcoming executive meeting and subsequent council action.