Council approves raise for deputy clerk and looks to increase pay for part-time police officers

Although the Postville City Council had an abbreviated agenda for the Monday, June 10 meeting, several of the items prompted lengthy discussions and controversy, causing the meeting to run over two hours. 

Mark Seegmiller, Street Superintendent, was present at the meeting to discuss street, alley and storm sewer repairs. 

Deputy Clerk Sarah Root asked the Council that her salary be raised to be commiserate with that of the person she replaced (Bonnie Erickson). Root, who has worked for the City nearly three years noted that she was not given the same raise as other employees receive after their probationary period.

Police Chief Matt Ellis explained to the Council that due to the City’s pay scale, they are having trouble hiring and retaining part-time officers. 

Ongoing issues with the fire department were discussed. Acting Chief Ben Heitland was present at the meeting. 

Following a motion by Engstrom  and second by Malcom, it was decided that all checks made out to the Postville Fire Department will stay in the City of Postville’s budgeted account and checks written to the Postville Volunteer Fire Department will be deposited in the Volunteer Fire Department 501 (c) 3 account.

The Council made it known that they are willing to meet with members of the department in a final attempt to come to an agreement. 

Read the full article in the June 26 edition of the Postville Herald.