Adopt Resolution #23-269 to Authorize an Adjustment to the Pay Scale for Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers

The purpose of this case is to ask the City Council for authorization to adjust the pay scale for Temporary On-Call Snow Plow Drivers.

The City employs Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers to work in the Public Works Department.  As part of earlier discussions regarding on On-call Snow Plow Driver pay, the City Council expressed an interest in raising the pay.  The pay was raised last fall to $16.00 to $20.00 per hour.  The 2024 preliminary budget discussions also included additional discussion with the City Council and now accounts for an increase of an average pay of $20.00 per hour.  It is recommended the new pay scale for Temporary On-call Snow Plow Drivers be set at $18.00 to $22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications.  The proposed pay scale based on an average pay of $20.00 per hour, is in-line with the actual proposed wages for the soon to be hired 2023 / 2024 drivers.

There are very few area cities that employ temporary on-call snow plow drivers.   Staff reached out to Elk River, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Champlin and Savage.   (These cities were contacted last year.)  The average pay is now approximately $18.00 to $20.65 per hour.  However, this figure is based on last year's wages only.  Staff was informed the new 2024 pay scales have either not been discussed or approved yet.  The City of Ramsey has been very fortunate to have its former drivers return year-after-year; this year, it is expected to hire five returning drivers.  The proposed wages will help to continue that trend.
 
Method of Progression
Typically, the hourly pay for new employees is the starting wage and the pay increases each year the employee returns.   Last year, the City Council granted staff the discretion to start new employees higher in the pay scale if their qualifications and experience warrant it; staff would like that to continue.  

The 2023 portion of the funding will come from the likely savings incurred by reduced warming house hours as well as staff turn-over, if needed.  The 2024 portion of the funding has been included in the preliminary 2024 budget.

To increase the Temporary On-call Snow Plow Driver pay scale,  depending on qualifications,  to $18.00 to $22.00, depending on qualifications.                

 

Motion to adopt resolution #23-269 to Increase the Temporary On-call Snow Plow Driver pay scale to $18.00 to $22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications.