News
In the News: Longevity raises a part of new budget
Posted on September 20, 2017
Originally published in the Times Daily.
The Russellville City Council has been trying for two years to incorporate salary changes into the city’s budget, based on the results of a study by the Auburn University Government and Economic Institute — Human Resources Consulting Program.
The $9 million fiscal year 2018 operating budget passed Monday night, includes a “longevity raise” for employees with at least 10 years of service.
City officials said the 2017 budget included $124,000 in salary increases.
Mayor David Grissom said the operating budget adopted Monday includes more than $56,000 for the longevity raises.
He said those raises will not go into effect until a new city personnel policy and procedures manual is reviewed and adopted by the civil service board and the city council.
“Job descriptions are completed, but now we have to review the policy and procedures,” said Councilman David Palmer.
The mayor said there were about 30 city employees who will be benefit from the raises.
Grissom said having the study done and implementing the results is a “good, positive” move for the city.
“The new system is going to be more equitable and fair to all employees,” he said. “It’s been a long process, longer than any of us wanted, but we’re getting near the end. We hope to have the policy and procedures adopted soon, and then the longevity raises will take effect.”
Palmer said when you have a system like the city was working on, which was “old and outdated,” it takes time to get things back in shape.
The new budget reflects a $1 million appropriation to the city school system, as well as some money for grants.
“It’s really a lot like last year’s budget. Revenues have held pretty steady and our department heads have worked to keep expenses under control,” the mayor said. “The city clerk provides each department head with monthly information about the budget and how they are doing. They are good about working within their means.”
Grissom said he’s glad to get the budget approved.
“Now, we’ve just got to work within it,” he said. “The budget is based on actual numbers. (A budget) is a constant work in progress, and we will be working on this one all year to stay within the limitations.”