Union Township Trustees approved a resolution to increase employee wages one percent by years 2012 and 2013.
Trustees passed the one percent increase at their April 26 meeting after Administrator Ken Geis briefly discussed the status and history of employee wages.
Geis said employees have not had an increase in pay since April of 2008. He said the board has been focused on reducing spending the past few years, and the township has saved nearly $2.3 million annually since 2009.
“I think it is important we remain competitive in the community,” Geis said about proposing an increase in wages. “I think it is important we recognize the work employees do in Union Township.”
Geis said the one percent increase in wages will amount to a net impact of approximately $23,000 annually.
“It is something I would like the board to consider,” Geis said.
Prior to discussing a wage increase, Geis also announced that the township would be saving approximately $200,000 after a rate reduction in workers’ compensation.
“When you look at one percent amounting to $23,000 and nearly $200,000 saved in workers’ compensation it becomes a relatively easy decision,” Trustee Tim Donnellon said about a voting for a wage increase for employees.
Trustee Matthew Beamer agreed, and said the township is finally getting to see hard work pay off when it comes to reducing spending and saving money.
“I think it is tremendous the work the board and employees have done to take control of that situation,” Beamer said about spending. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”
Trustees approved the resolution to increase wages one percent at the meeting, and Geis said the increase will go into effect the first pay period in May.