By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city employees should be able to look forward to pay increases next year.
City commissioners heard details Thursday night from Human Resources Director Erin Giebler about a recommended $2,050 pay raise for most employees, and adding $1,050 to the bottom of the pay range. According to City Manager Toby Dougherty, he and part-time and seasonal workers would not be covered by the resolution.
Commissioners have already agreed to the same pay increase for members of the three employees unions. The increase would cost about $281,000 and is included in the 2016 budget. Commissioners will consider the resolution at their regular meeting Nov. 12.
Giebler also reviewed the 2016 employee health insurance options.
Aetna had the lowest bid. City staff, with the approval of the Wage and Benefit Committee, recommends providing employees with a dual option plan through Aetna. The base plan will be provided to employees and their families at no cost. Employees enrolling in the premium plan would pay 8.3 percent of the premiums.
Although the Aetna premium plan is comparable to the city’s current plan with United Health, it is approximately $150,000 over budget, necessitating the employee premium contribution.
In other business, commissioners discussed a request to vacate a portion of a drainage area behind 4500 Van Buren Drive. Jesse Rohr, superintendent of Planning, Inspection and Enforcement, will research the value of the property before the request is moved to a public hearing.
John Braun, assistant director of public works, reviewed highlights of the 2016 street maintenance program, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million. High-profile projects include the mill and overlay of Hall Street from 27th Street to 41st Street, 27th Street from Englewood to Hall Street, and 27th Street from Sherman to Canterbury, as well as brick repair for a two-block section of Ash Street between 17th Street and 19th Street.
Kim Rupp, director of finance, presented his recommendation to approve Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball for auditing services of the year 2015.
Commissioner Lance Jones was absent from the work session.