Committee members expressed support for the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in the new salary schedule. The proposal includes a provision allowing for adjustments based on individual experience and skills, which members agreed would help retain experienced employees within city departments. Discussions also highlighted the need to resolve discrepancies in the current pay structure, particularly for chief and deputy chief positions, to align them with the proposed revisions.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the proposal’s timeline, deliberating whether the effective date for current employees should be retroactive to the start of the fiscal year on July 1, rather than the initially proposed September 1. This change was suggested to ensure that the benefits of the revised compensation structure are extended to all eligible employees at the earliest possible date.

The meeting also addressed potential omissions in the ordinance, such as certain employee positions not included in the proposed schedule changes. It was acknowledged that while some positions, like the youth director, are part of pilot programs and may not be immediately integrated, they will be revisited in the future.

The committee unanimously approved sending the proposal to the full council for further consideration, noting that additional amendments might be introduced during subsequent discussions to refine the ordinance.

In other business, the committee approved the warrant for the upcoming city preliminary election on September 16, 2025. They also received an update on the city’s health insurance trust fund balance, which stands at over $2 million.