Everly council approves wage increases

The Everly City Council handled a variety of New Year business during its meeting Monday.

Wage increases for city employees garnered the bulk of discussion. The council in previous years had approved wage increases based on a percentage; however, this year they shifted gears and instead OK’d a $1-per-hour hike for each city employee.

“I think you’ve gotta pay the people that take care of you,” said Mayor Ron Thompson.

A 5 percent wage increase was originally proposed. Council Member Shaun Iske noted that a 5 percent hike was approved for each of the past two years with the stipulation that employees may receive no future wage increases due to pandemic-related financial uncertainties.

“I’m not saying I’m opposed to a 5 percent increase, but I’m just looking ahead to where we’re going to be five years from now if we continue giving 5 percent increases every year,” he said.

After discussing inflation rates, the council ultimately unanimously approved the $1-per-hour raises. Employee hourly rates for 2023 will be as follows: Josh Rinehart, $31.12; Nate Fitzgerald, $24.38; Miguela Hildreth, $21; and Kristi Fliss, $25.

• Other business

A smattering of other small topics dotted the rest of the council’s agenda.

Fliss gave an update on Everly’s famed bull truck. The vehicle, which is used to promote the city at area parades and other events, suffered an engine fire last month and is slated for repair this spring.

Fliss said the fire caused a black spot to form on the truck’s hood. Brian Trojahn will assess the damage and provide an estimate in the near future.

The council named The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News as the city’s official newspaper. City depositories and their maximum deposit amounts were also approved: State Bank, Everly, $3,000,000; Home State Bank, Royal, $500,000; Farmer’s Trust & Savings Bank, Spencer, $1,000,000; Northwest Bank, Spencer, $1,000,000; and Community State Bank, Spencer, $500,000.

Finally, Fliss proposed an update to the city’s pet licensing policy. Instead of pet owners having to pay a renewal fee each year, she would like to institute a lifetime license that would follow the pet until its death. Vaccination records would still need to be updated at City Hall each year, but fee renewals would be eliminated.

The council tabled action and instructed Fliss to contact City Attorney Dennis Cmelik to draft a revised ordinance to reflect the changes. The council will take action at a later date.