City Luverne salaries to increase 3.5 percent

The city of Luverne recently negotiated a new three-year contract with labor unions, and as part of its year-end resolutions approved wage increases for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The pay plan, effective Jan. 1, will be adjusted to a 3.5 percent increase for 2020, a 3.25 percent increase for 2021, and a 3.25 percent increase for 2022.
Non-union, administrative and department head salaries for 2020 will also increase 3.5 percent for 2020.
The following increases include step and lane changes and account for additional duties where applicable.
City Administrator John Call’s salary increases from $127,275 to $131,730.
City Clerk Jessica Mead from $70,220 to $73,715.
Finance Director Barb Berghorst from $107,827 to $112,694.
Accountant Candy Reese from $76,086 to 78,749.
Deputy Finance Clerk Robyn Wessels from $70,220 to $88,400.
EDA Director Holly Sammons from $69,201 to $72,675.
Building Official Chad McClure from $74,048 to 77,709.
Public Works Supervisor John Stoffel from $83,220 to $87,194.
Water/Wastewater Supervisor Al Lais from $91,374 to $95,618.
Pool Manager Sam Honerman from $70,220 to $73,715.
Assistant Pool Manager Michelle DeKam from $46,924 to $51,584.
Liquor Store Manager Kenny Rolling from $68,182 to $71,614.
Electric department salaries are paid from the city’s $512,000 contract with Missouri River Energy Services. Those workers — Brian Remme, Mike Gangestad, Dakota Olson, Mike Buss and Jeff Becthold — are MRES employees, and their salary information is not public.
In other year-end action, the council approved a request by the Luverne Fire Relief Association to raise new pension factor from $2,400 to $2,500.
This is for each full year of service as an active Luverne firefighter, not to exceed 30 years of service.