City Council OKs New Pay Structure; Non-Union Workers Get 4% Raises

Non-union city of Waukee workers now have a new pay structure that is designed to be more equitable and easier to understand, a move approved by the City Council June 17, the Des Moines Register reports.

City Administrator Tim Moerman said the new compensation system is comparable to area communities. Waukee is in a good position to compete for and retain qualified staff, he told the newspaper.

The system measures the level of complexity involved in a particular position, risk levels, number of employees supervised and the amount of city assets managed, according to a memo Moerman wrote to city officials.

According to the Register, Moerman's memo said the new system addressed deficiencies in the pay structure.

About 36 non-union employees will be affected by the plan; most are full-time workers.

Union employees — primarily police officers, firefighters, public works staff and clerical workers -- are paid according to collective bargaining agreements.

The council also approved a plan to increase spending on non-union salaries by 4 percent next fiscal year, which begins July 1, the Register reports. Police Chief Larry Phillips will earn $103,296; Public Works Director John Gibson, $114,328; Fire Chief Clint Robinson, $95,645; Burkhart, $95,645; Development Services Director Brad Deets, $95,645; Parks and Recreation Director Matt Jermier, $82,000; Holden, $82,000.

Moerman’s will be paid $134,000 next year under a contract he reached with the city when he was hired in January.

Under the approved pay plan, non-union employees who elect to be covered under the city’s medical plan will pay $10 to participate in the city’s wellness program, which allows employees to join area health programs. If an employee is not covered by the city’s medical plan, but still wants to take part in the wellness program, he or she will pay $50 per month. Those with families and city medical coverage will pay $60 per month for the wellness plan. It will cost $105 for an employee with a family who chooses not to be on the city’s medical plan.