Vienna Fire Department Chief Steve Scholl updated City Council on the department’s ISO rating, which factors into home insurance rates. He said Vienna rated as a 4, which is consistent with past years. He said the scale is from 10 to 1, with a lower number being considered a good score. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

VIENNA — Increasing the city’s longevity pay was discussed during Thursday’s special session of Vienna City Council.

The budget total for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $12,033,838. It’s an increase of $832,830 from this year.

Each department’s head attended the meeting and was questioned by council members. Mayor Randy Rapp said the budget provided was balanced.

Council Member Tom Azinger said he motioned to amend the longevity pay from 35 cents per hour to 50 cents an hour.

“I think the last time it was raised was probably 12 or 13 years ago,” he said. “If you would take inflation as a 2% average compounded for that period, it would be up around 50 cents.”

Finance Director Amy Roberts, right, explains the potential impact of raising the city’s longevity pay to the budget. She said it would cost the city $24,913.42 per year if they raised it from 35 cents per hour to 50 cents an hour. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

City Attorney Russell Skogstad said that council did amendments during the budget finalization process. Azinger said he withdrew his motion and would bring it up again during the next meeting.

Finance Director Amy Roberts said passing the increase would cost $24,913.42 per year, which would come out of the general fund.

“I’m not saying one way or the other,” she said. “This is just something that we’re providing information. If you think about that $25,000, at the end of 10 years, that amount has compounded and you have $250,000 just starting out.”

Public Works Director Craig Metz said he needed a pay increase for his workers.

“The biggest asset the city can have is our employees. We all know I’m four (people) down,” he said.

Metz said the starting pay in his department is $14.89 an hour. He said he tried to get applicants in the door but they weren’t qualified for the job.

He added that if the city didn’t have any qualified Class II water operators, they would have to sell their business to American Water.

“Right now, our 4,500-gallon usage is costing Vienna residents approximately $50 a month. If American Water moves in, it’s $240 a month in Charleston right now,” he said.

Parks Director Steve Black said he has eight workers in his department, including himself. He said three are considering retirement or leaving.

Council members Christopher Mancuso and Jim Leach were absent.

Kristen Hainkel can be contacted at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com