Work Session (Packet)

The Empire Village Council Work Session on March 14, 2024, at the Empire Township Hall included several key agenda items and updates. The session focused on addressing various issues, including the Wilco Road Plan, South Bar Lake Quality Report, and budget adjustments for the Planning Commission. The meeting also covered personnel pay raises for the fiscal year 2024-25 and the introduction of an ACH payment option for water utility customers. Additionally, there were concerns raised about the decision-making process regarding the purchase of the Field Trip property, prompting calls for more transparent and inclusive future decision-making.

The Planning Commission’s budget request was a significant point of discussion, with a proposal to set a budget range of $6,000 to $10,000 for the Master Plan update RFP. This request was not intended to amend the current budget but to establish an acceptable cost range should an amendment become necessary in the future. The council was asked to consider this range, especially in light of the commission’s lower spending in the previous year.

The proposal for a 5% pay raise for village employees was also presented, justified by the need to remain competitive in the local job market and align with the cost of living adjustments. The recommendation was supported by recent Consumer Price Index data and Social Security cost-of-living increases, highlighting the necessity to keep employee wages in line with inflation rates. The council was urged to approve this increase to ensure fair compensation across all job categories within the village.

Lastly, the introduction of an ACH payment option for water utility bills was discussed, emphasizing the potential time and cost savings for both the village and its customers. The additional bank fees associated with this service were deemed justified by the anticipated reduction in labor and increased interest earnings from a recent change in account types at Huntington Bank. The council was asked to consider approving this payment option to enhance service efficiency and customer convenience.

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
https://www.ssa.gov/cola/