A proposed raise for city employees was doubled at Monday night s meeting.
An amended resolution establishing 2% cost of living adjustments (COLA) for non-union city employees for Pekin s Fiscal Year 2022 budget passed by a 6-1 vote, with council member Rick Hilst voting against the measure. The initial resolution called for 1.09% COLA for the FY-22 budget. Council member Lloyd Orrick moved to make the amendment, with Mike Garrison seconding.
“I really believe if we were talking about (2.5%) or 3% (COLA), I would vote to lower that,” said Orrick. “With that in mind, I would amend the proposal to make it 2%.”
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the city’s wellness committee to cancel last year’s health fair for full and part-time city employees. But the Pekin City Council’s unanimous approval of an agreement with Empower Health Services, LLC means city employees will have access to biometric screenings.