By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whitewater officials are seeking outside expertise to determine whether its employee wage and classification rates are on par with similar communities.
The Common Council on March 4 voted to seek out a request for proposals for a wage and classification study. Up to $20,000 has been earmarked in the 2014 municipal budget to have a professional review.
The city’s last wage and classification study was conducted in 2008, and slight modifications were made when the review was completed.
“It is considered a best practice to review and update position descriptions and wage schedules on a regular basis, every 3 to 5 years,” City Manager Cameron Clapper said.
Plans call for the council to vote on a firm next month, after RFPs have been submitted.
In other recent business, the council:
• Discussed the process of reviewing the city’s 2015 budget. After several hot-button issues late last year – including the city’s participation in the Innovation Express line through the Janesville Transit System – council members expressed a desire to begin budget deliberations earlier.
Clapper presented the council with a proposed budget development timeline that calls on department heads to begin making recommendations in the next several months. The first 2015 budget workshop is expected to begin in June.
• Approved a resolution denoting the city’s participation in International Migratory Bird Day. The resolution ties to the city’s seeking a designation as Bird City – a naming right aimed at closely replicating the Tree City USA plaques within communities that provide healthy tree habitats.
Holding a recognition in honor of International Migratory Bird Day is one of several stipulations for municipalities seeking the Bird City designation.
• Voted to award an $8,500 contract to engineering firm Stand Associations for the improvement of the boat launch and ramp at Cravath Lakefront Park. The council also voted to give city staff the authority to seek a matching grant with the state Department of Natural Resources.
