2C, Non-Union Wage Adjustment - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 16, 2010 4 2.B 2011 Budget/CIP (continued) Finance Director Iverson stated this could be tried for one year, but would be an ongoing need of the City_ Mayor Harpstead questioned if the personnel changes included Terry and Pat. Finance Director Iverson indicated this was the case and the budget also reflected the new hire of a Community Development Director_ Councilmember Holden questioned how the administrative interns would be funded. Finance Director Iverson explained this was a line item and was budgeted in administration. Mayor Harpstead asked if there would be any change in the administrative interns from 2010 to 2011. Finance Director Iverson projected there would be a $4,000 reduction in intern expenses for finance with an$8,000 increase in administration. City Administrator Klaers indicated staff was not certain how the Council felt about increases in wages or benefits. He noted the union contract with Public Works would need to be negotiated. He hoped to reach a three year contract with the union. He suggested the Council consider the increases made by surrounding communities before establishing any increase. Finance Director Iverson stated the budget reflected a 3% COLA increase at this time. However, she recommended the Council take the wage increases and put there into a contingency fund until this percentage was finalized and staffing was decided. Councilmember Holden questioned who would handle the union negotiations. City Administrator Klaers stated he would negotiate with the union, and stated in the past he has used a consultant to assist with negotiations as this keeps things neutral and professional. Mayor Harpstead asked when the negotiations would take place. City Administrator Klaers estimated this would take place in several months, and he would make a recommendation to Council prior to the negotiations on how Staff wishes to proceed. Councilmember Holmes asked, based on the current numbers and personnel changes, if the levy would have to increase 4-5%.