The Hermiston City Council will consider for approval a new three-year contract for the police union, as well as the contract for incoming City Manager Byron Smith at tonight’s meeting.
The Hermiston Police Association’s three-year contract runs through June 30, 2017 and calls for a wage increase of 1.75 percent the first year, 2 percent the second year and 2.25 percent during the third year.
“I believe this is a very fair package,” said Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston in a memo to Hermiston City Manager Ed Brookshier.
The contact also includes a 2-percent pay increase as an incentive to employees who are bilingual. Current employees who are already bilingual will automatically receive the pay increase. Future employees will have to pass an aptitude test to receive the increase.
The council will vote on whether to approve a two-year contract for Smith, who will succeed Brookshier on Aug. 25. The contract includes a base annual salary of $115,000 as well as $25,000 for relocation costs.
Since 2009, Smith has been the city manager in Ford Madison, population 11,000. Prior to that he served for three years as assistant city manager and city planner for Poplar Bluff, Mo., and was with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, in Phoenix from 1998 to 2004.
Also at tonight’s meeting, there will be a public hearing on an amendment to the city’s Comprehensive Plan Map and to annex 20 acres of land into the city. The property is on E. Airport Road and will provide access and overflow parking to the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center.
The council will also formally accept George Anderson’s resignation. Anderson resigned at the end of the meeting on June 23.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Hermiston City Hall.
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