Council approves library, non-bargaining wages for FY 23

     During the April 4 Monticello City Council meeting, the council acknowledged the recommended wages for the staff of the Monticello Public Library for Fiscal Year 2023. They also approved wages for non-bargaining staff.

     The Monticello Library Board sets the library staff wages. The city council then formally acknowledges the board’s action for city recording and payroll.

     The library board set the following wage increases:

     • Director Michelle Turnis, 4 percent increase, going from $44,341.50 to $46,116.

     • Youth Services Penny Schmidt, a 7.5 percent increase, going from $14.86 an hour to $15.97, for a total wage of $33,217.60.

     • Adult/Teen Services Molli Hunter, a 9 percent increase, going from $12.34 an hour to $13.45, for a total age of $27,976.

     On Jan. 10, 2022, the city’s new compensation committee met to discuss and recommend proposed wage increases for employees not covered by a bargaining agreement. The committee recommended a 5 percent increase for most department heads, with a larger adjustment for Police Chief Britt Smith in recognition to taking on and excelling in the Ambulance director duties. A smaller readjustment was recommended for City Administrator Russ Farnum.

     Public Works director, city clerk, lead paramedic, Parks and Recreation director, and assistant Parks and Rec director were all recommended for a 5 percent increase:

     • Public Works Director Nick Kahler, $58,198.22

     • City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, $71,363

     • Lead Paramedic Lori Lynch, $27.23 an hour

     • Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald, $57,041

     • Assistant Parks and Rec Director Keegan Arduser, $36,000

     (Arduser was hired in mid-February at the proposed $36,000 salary.)

     The council previously approved an annual increase to the salary for Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden in the amount of $3,000 a year. This would bring Tjaden’s salary to $67,000.

     Smith’s employment agreement calls for a 2.5 percent raise, in addition to the compensation committee’s additional increase. The 2.5 percent would bring Smith’s salary to $79,847.50; the committee recommended $90,000.

     When Farnum was hired, his starting salary was $95,000. The committee recommended an increase of $1,500. This brings his base pay to $96,500, not including cell phone reimbursement and an automobile allowance.