Adopt Resolution #18-050 to Authorize an Adjustment to the Starting Hourly Wage for Temporary Seasonal Employees Working in the Public Works Department

The purpose of this case is to ask the City Council for authorization to adjust the starting hourly wage for temporary seasonal employees working in the Public Works Department. 

The City employs temporary seasonal employees to work in the Public Works Department.  It has become more challenging to fill seasonal temporary positions due to competing wages in the community and increased pre-employment back grounding processes that have proven to be necessary.  

Historically, the temporary seasonal budget has been increased based on the City’s needs and approved as part of the normal budget approval process.  This request, if approved, will not exceed the approved budget. 

The current minimum wage for employees 18 years and older is $9.65 per hour.  A recent wage study of metropolitan area cities shows the average starting hourly wage is $11.12 for temporary seasonal Parks, Streets, and Utilities employees and $9.98 for Ice Rink Attendants. 

In order to fulfill our recruiting needs, staff recommends the starting hourly wage be increased from $10.00 to $11.00 for temporary seasonal Parks, Streets, and Utilities employees and $9.65 (minimum wage) for temporary seasonal Ice Rink Attendants; as well as adjusting returning employees’ wages by twenty-five cents per hour for each additional season worked.

There is no additional 2018 funding required.  Staff will monitor  costs associated with the wage adjustment and will not go over the approved 2018 staffing budget.

Because of the recent recruiting difficulties and discussions with our comparable neighboring cities, staff is recommending a market rate adjustment.  The proposed changes reflect the need to keep our pay competitive with other organizations and the market, as well as to reflect any adjustments necessitated by changes in minimum wage. 

Staff recommends the hourly range for returning temporary seasonal employees be capped at $12.00 per hour for temporary seasonal Parks, Streets, and Utilities employees and $10.65 for returning Rink Attendants.
 

Motion to adopt resolution #18-050 to do the following: 

1) Increase the starting hourly wage for temporary seasonal Parks, Streets, and Utilities employees to $11.00 per hour; effective immediately; and
2) Continue the starting hourly wage for temporary seasonal Ice Rink Attendants at the minimum wage of $9.65 per hour;  and
3) Provide returning employees a wage increase of twenty-five cents per hour, effective immediately, for each additional season worked, capping the range at $12.00 per hour for temporary seasonal Parks, Streets, and Utilities employees and $10.65 for Rink Attendants.