City Council approves salary adjustment plan

A number of Columbus city employees are set to see pay increases after the results of a salary study. The study, nearly two-years in the making, looked at every full-time position within city government and compared them against eight “peer” cities in Indiana. The goal, say city officials, was to determine if Columbus is competitive when it comes to salary and benefits packages. The measure is also an effort to recruit and retain employees.

The ordinance calls for public safety workers to see merit-based pay increases taking them to the “mid-range” of a new salary range within two years. Other non-elected city employees would be phased in over three years. The action would also give 11 city employees raises to the new minimum range, effective July 1st. Jamie Brinegar, the city’s director of finance, says the immediate pay bump for these 11 would amount for just under $10,000. He adds that no additional appropriations are expected to be needed.

The council voted 6-0 to approve the ordinance on second reading. Frank Miller was not in attendance.