The Danville City Council has reached a deal with Public Works union employees for raises over the next three fiscal years. The agreement, previously approved by the employees and now just awaiting all the signatures; calls for a two percent salary increase for the current fiscal year, a three percent salary increase for the fiscal year starting in May, and another two percent salary increase for the fiscal year that begins in 2023.
Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr says that, similar to what Vermilion County is going through right now, this is a matter of getting the salaries in line to compete with the private sector, and keep valuable employees working for the city.
AUDIO: You know traditionally I’ve supported a cap of a two percent raise. And one of the reaons why we’ve offered everyone a three percent raise next year is for that exact reason. We want to make sure that we’re able to have high caliber people serving the people of Danville. Because that’s what the citizens deserve and that’s what they expect.
Another adjustment that will help with the pool of available city employees is that public works employees will be able to live within 45 miles of the City of Danville, and will NOT have to pay a residency fee for living outside the limits.
AUDIO: We need to make sure that we have, you know, as large as possible of a pool to be sure that we get the right people in the right places; so that we can be as effective as possible in meeting the needs of our community and our citizens.
Mayor Williams says the next goal is to have similar agreements with all unions; allowing both union and non-union employees to live within 45 miles of the city with no residency fee.
