CCP 12-11-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Burg commented that the efficiency of the City and the services provided are beneficial to growing the community, also noting that the City has been keeping tax levy increases to a minimum. Burg stated that she feels it would be unfair not to provide Steps to employees, as they were hired with the expectation of Step increases. Councilmember Jacobsen stated that he would support a 1% COLA and a 1% Step increase. Mayor Jacobsen acknowledged that the staff in New Brighton has performed well,but doesn't feel a 2% COLA and 2% Step are appropriate. Councilmember Burg suggested a 1% COLA and a 1% STEP increase. Manager Lotter reminded the council that STEP increases are part of a predetermined pay plan, and changing it to a defined percentage increase would disturb the pay equity structure. Councilmember Samuelson asked what the cost would be if 2% COLAs were approved and Steps were not. Manager Lotter estimated the savings would be approximately$30,000-$40,000. The councilmembers discussed a few scenarios. Mayor Jacobsen suggested a 1% COLA and expressed confusion at the Steps. Councilmember Burg suggested a 2% COLA, and no Steps, stating that is not her desire,but that of the majority. Manager Lotter clarified that his original recommendation of COLAs and Steps could be achieved while controlling the tax levy. Secondly Lotter reminder the council that there were three years in which staff did not receive Steps or COLAs. Councilmember Bauman, Jacobsen and Mayor Jacobsen would recommend any surplus go to the Community Reinvestment Fund, not to compensation. The recommendation given to Manager Lotter was a 0% levy, with any remaining surplus being put into the Community Reinvestment Fund, and a 1% COLA increase, with no Step increases for 2013. City Manager Evaluation-Discuss and Direction on Process Time did not allow for this discussion. The worksession adjourned at 6:31, • . 2