The Frankfort City Council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance on all three readings that amended the 2022 salary ordinance.
“With the cost of living and things going up as much as they have been recently, we felt like it would be good for us to think about giving some kind of a stipend, or bonus to help our employees,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets.
Sheets added when they salaries were budgeted for 2022, they didn’t anticipate the prices jumping the way they have. She said each full-time employee and those who work 28 hours a week will receive the one-time stipend of $2,000 next month.
The Utility Service Board did something similar earlier this month when they approved a stipend of $3,000 for their employees which will come in the form of two $1,500 checks.
The council also passed the first reading of an additional appropriation ordinance 22-12.
“We got the Community Crossings grant this year and the bids came in a little bit lower than we anticipated,” said Sheets. “It’s a 50-50 match. So, what’s left over from the 50 percent that we received from the state that, has to go back. The city still had their 50 percent and the only way we could spend it is pass an additional appropriation.”
Council members openly wanted to pass this ordinance on all three readings. However, this couldn’t be done as this ordinance requires a public hearing which will be held Monday, July 11, at 7 p.m.
That appropriation comes out to be $93,000.
Sheets was then asked if it has been determined which road or roads would be paved with the extra funds.
“We’ve looked at different areas because there are so many roads that really need to be replaced,” said Sheets. “So, we’re just trying to figure out which one would the best to replace that paving. There is such a need for paving in the community.”