Employees of the city of Emporia will see an increase in wages for 2024.
As part of their regular action meeting Wednesday morning, Emporia City Commissioners approved a resolution to adopt the 2024 city pay scales which includes a two percent increase for current wages. Wednesday’s action comes after commissioners declared their intent to review and update the city’s wage scales annually, as long as budget constraints allow, during the 2024 budgeting process earlier this year.
Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking says Wednesday’s action item demonstrates the commission’s dedication to its employees.
As part of a separate, yet related item, commissioners held an executive session following which they approved an amended agreement with Cocking for his position. The amended agreement included changes to contractual wording and reflects the previously approved two percent compensation increase.
In separate action, commissioners approved a resolution asking Lyon County Commissioners to make certain findings related to the potential annexation of property near Industrial Park IV on a portion of Road 180 and Road F. City Zoning and Planning Administrator Justin Givens says the resolution comes as the city is designing road improvements in the area and is not an official request for annexation.
If Lyon County Commissioners make findings in favor of the annexation, a formal ordinance for the annexation will come before the county at a later date.
In other business, commissioners approved the appointment of Brad Stewart to the city’s Golf Advisory Board and Mayor Susan Brinkman issued a proclamation declaring December as Universal Human Rights Month in Emporia.
During the commission’s regular study meeting commissioners reviewed the implementation of rental registration, revisions of the current vacant property ordinance and a digital grant program through CGI. Additional conversations focused on a proposed increase in city utility fees previously approved for 2024.
The proposed increases follow commission action earlier this year to adopt a 7.5 percent water rate increase in 2024. Commissioners are now looking to add one additional percent to that increase along with a five percent increase in wastewater.
City Director of Finance Janet Harouff tells KVOE News the increases are needed due to several factors including declining reserve funds and higher than expected expenses over the calendar year.
Commissioners discussed and will review the one percent increase during their next regular action meeting. The five percent increase, however, will see separate discussion and potential action in January.
The Emporia City Commission’s next scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 20 at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
