News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Monterey officials will be looking to change the employee pay scale next year.
Alderman Nathan Walker said the city will look at creating a pay scale that encourages longevity.
“We just want to make sure that we have a good, modern pay scale that reflects the region and our area,” Walker said. “To where we can not only retain, but recruit good, quality employees in the future.”
The Finance Committee discussed the pay scale’s weaknesses during last week’s meeting. Walker said the current pay scale does nothing to reward employees for service.
“Under our current pay scale, employees technically max out after one year of service,” Walker said. “There’s a longevity bonus at certain key points, but that’s basically just a cash payment. We’re looking to kind of come into the modern world here a little bit.”
Vice Mayor Starlett Wessels said she had concerns with the police department’s pay scale.
“A new police officer comes in and their essentially making the same thing as somebody that’s been on the force for 20 years. That’s not right,” Wessels said. “We should do something to change that to where our long-time police officers are making more than somebody that’s fresh out of school.”
The committee agreed to look at changing the pay scale during next year’s budget process. They also approved a motion to consider future step increases for the police department.
Aldermen have proposed a 3-percent cost of living adjustment for employees in the 2019-2020 budget. The new spending plan will be considered for approval during Monday’s meeting.
