The council members stressed that negotiations should have occurred earlier in the budgeting process. They articulated concerns about selective wage increases, underscoring that “we can’t give it to some without giving it to all,” highlighting the broader implications for the city’s budget.

This debate over wage increases was coupled with a broader discussion about employee certifications and compensation within the city’s departments. The council emphasized the need for clear job descriptions and competitive salary bases to attract qualified candidates, especially for roles with significant responsibilities such as utility billing and customer service management. One participant noted the outdated nature of salary data, prompting discussions on setting a suitable base salary to ensure the city remains competitive. There was consensus on a tentative base salary of $26.10 per hour for certain positions, pending further review and documentation.

In a related matter, the council deliberated on the organizational structure within the utilities department. There was a focus on balancing administrative and fieldwork responsibilities, particularly concerning Mr. Barber’s role, which involves overseeing multiple services. The council considered maintaining his current title to reflect his dual responsibilities, recognizing the critical distinctions between administrative and field roles in ensuring safety and compliance.

The council also explored potential staffing solutions for the city planner position, previously held by Laura Jones. Discussions included the possibility of outsourcing planning services to JB Pro, leveraging their familiarity with the city’s comprehensive plan. This approach would provide immediate assistance while allowing the city to consider advertising for a permanent planner. Kathy Iba from JB Pro was present to discuss the costs associated with their services, which would follow a piggyback contract model based on an existing agreement with Levy County.

Amidst these discussions, the council addressed the integration of animal control and code enforcement into the police department budget. The police chief confirmed that these changes were in place and that the budget remained balanced. The meeting also included updates on camera installations and a grant for a drone, allowing the department to purchase the device without incurring costs.