Atlas Twp.- During a budget work session meeting on March 6, the board of trustees voted 4-0 to give pay increases for township employees. Supervisor Shirley Kautman-Jones, Treasurer Ann Marie Moore and Trustees Barry June and Patrick Major voted for the pay hikes. Township Clerk Tere Onica was absent.
Adjusted compensation was calculated on 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, a total of 2,080 hours at $1 per hour. For the fire chief, supervisor, clerk and treasurer, the pay hike of $2,080 per year or $173.33 per month will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2014.
The board also voted a $1 per hour wage adjustment to the trustee’s salary for a total of $208 additional per year retroactive to Jan. 1. In addition the board also increased the wages of the deputy treasurer by $3 per hour. The deputy treasurer’s hourly rate would be $17 per hour to compensate for duties and work experience. The deputy clerk salary increased $1 per hour for a total of $480 per year retroactive to Jan. 1, 2014. The supervisor pointed out that due to personal reasons the deputy clerk declined the increase.
The township ordinance enforcer and building administrator both received an increase of $1 per hour to $26 per hour. The on-call firefighters will be paid $16.50 per hour.
‘This is the first raise in seven years for the township officials,? said Barry June, township trustee. ‘None receive compensation for vacation, holidays or medical benefits. We do receive a match up to 15 percent for retirement.?
‘The cost of living has gone up 15 percent since 2007 we should make up some of that increase,? added June. ‘The township employees along with the firefighters do an excellent job All those do a good job. This pay hike was due and there should be reasonable compensation for the work.?