Columbus City Council approves salary ordinance

New pay ranges for Columbus city employees have received initial approval. The council passed the first reading of the updated salary ordinance, which establishes minimum, midpoint and maximum pay levels.

The ordinance came about after Mayor Jim Lienhoop took office. He cited the need to make the city an attractive place to work in order to recruit and retain the best talent available. To that end, the city took part in a salary study that looked at the duties of city employees, their compensation and how they compare to other Indiana cities of similar sizes. The council approved the pay ranges in July, but the body needed to consider an updated version. Changes include a one-percent increase to the midpoint pay levels, which also affected those jobs’ minimum and maximum pay. Part-time employees will see a three-percent raise. A separate ordinance will see elected city officials receive a three-percent increase for 2019.

The immediate goal, say city officials, is to get public safety employees to their midpoint within two years. All other city employees will have a path to reach their midpoints within three years. However, any increases will be based on employee performance.

The council voted unanimously to approve the measure. The body will consider the ordinance on second reading at its meeting on Sept. 18th.