Feb. 14, 2023 — Reedley City Council
Documented by Alejandra Obregon
What happened: At its Feb. 14 meeting, the Reedley City Council approved a five percent cost-of-living adjustment for full-time city employees.
City Manager Nicole Zieba presented the item and said the city’s salaries are low compared to others and she is concerned about “unprecedented turnover.” She said the increased staff costs will be covered by the funding already set aside for unfilled vacant positions.
“Some of our folks can work at McDonald’s and get paid more than they do here,” she said.
Several city employees were also at the meeting. They shared their struggles and expressed gratitude for the increase.
And also: Assistant City Manager Paul A. Melikian presented information about the California Department of Food and Agriculture Community Resilience Centers program, which could provide grant funding for a new gymnasium and community meeting facility.
The facility could also serve as a heating and cooling center for the community, according to the meeting agenda.
Applications for the program are due no later than Feb. 27, 2023 and grants will be awarded in the summer. If the grant is awarded, the site plan will be brought to the council for further review and approval.
Up next: The Reedley City Council is scheduled to meet again at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28.