The following appeared in The Rock County Star on November 6, 1931.
Luverne Cuts Employees’ Salaries $2000
Ten Per Cent Reduction To Lower Tax Levy One-Fifth; Every Office Is Affected
George DeLate, Superin-tendent of Light Plant, Takes Biggest Loss — Town Police to Receive $90 Per Month
The Luverne city council made a 10 per cent wage cut for every employee on the town payroll at the regular November meeting held Tuesday evening of this week. It is estimated that approximately $2,000 will be saved the tax papers in this manner. The yearly tax levy amounts to $9,200. With the $2,000 cut the tax levy should be reduced at least 20 per cent. It requires more than $9,200 to run the town of Luverne but the balance is made up with profits from the city light and water plant.
How Salaries Are Cut
In addition to the 10 per cent cut on the payroll, day labor was cut from 35 cents per hour to 30 cents per hour. The following salaries were cut to 10 per cent:
George DeLate, superintendent of light and water, former salary $200 per month, cut to $180.
Milton Alwin, chief engineer, $145 salary cut to $130.50.
Harry Funk and Ory Bell, engineers, $125 salaries cut to $112.50.
Ben Lewis, helper, $85 salary cut to $76.50.
O. M. Olson, heat inspector, $115 salary cut to $103.50.
Henry Arendt, lineman, $120 salary cut to $108.00
Charles Streeter, meter man, $100 salary cut to $90.
P. J. Connell and Hans Thompson, police officers, $100 salaries cut to $90.
Roy Fitzer, recorder, $140 salary cut to $126.00
Frank Ferguson, municipal judge, $50 salary cut to $45.00.
Carl Omodt, treasurer, $50 salary cut to $45.
C. J. Larson, fire chief, $15 salary cut to $13.50.
The mayor and town council members took a 10 per cent cut on their salaries. They received $50 per year each.
Ray Engan, city attorney, received a salary of $15 per month which was cut to $13.50.
Health officers of Luverne received a total of $40 per year. There are three officers, Dr. C. O. Wright, P. J. Connell and C. J. Larson. They will receive a 10 per cent cut.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
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