Council to vote on budget, raises

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

GRAVETTE -- A special meeting of the Gravette City Council committee of the whole to discuss final budget issues for the proposed 2014 budget was held Thursday night at city hall. All city council members were present.

After a brief discussion of several issues proposed at recent budget working sessions, council members agreed to present the proposed 2014 budget reflecting a 3 percent cost-of-living raise for all city employees and giving Mayor Byron Warren the flexibility to give an additional merit raise of up to 2 percent. The budget, including salaries, will be examined again at the beginning of June, 2014.

Councilwoman Amy Rambadt suggested tabling consideration of the employee wage scale study and focusing strictly on the budget so it might be presented and approved before the end of the year. Council members agreed a little more time to discuss the wage scale study would be beneficial.

Margo Thomas urged members to "make sure this is what we really want," and Bob Robinson expressed concern that "in some cases, I'm not convinced we're on target." Robinson said he agreed all employees should be paid fairly and there was a need to keep salaries competitive so good employees would not be lost to neighboring towns, but there was also a need to manage the budget to make wise use of the city's money.

The 2014 budget includes money for additional benefits for six fire department/ambulance personnel, adding a patrol position in the police department, and a parks employee in the street department to help out wherever needed.

Mayor Byron Warren said the 2014 city budget reflects little change from the 2013 budget except for the additional salary expenditures.

The proposed 2014 budget will be on the agenda and be voted on at the regular city council meeting at 6 p.m., Dec. 26, at the civic center. As usual, an opportunity for citizen comments will be given at the beginning of that meeting.

General News on 12/25/2013