After a unanimous vote by the Piedmont City Council on Tuesday, all current and future full-time city employees will now earn at least $10 per hour.
Mayor Bill Baker brought the idea to the council during the council’s work session. Although no one on the council could remember the rate at which the minimum wage was currently set, Baker said he was aware of eight full-time employees who were making less than $10 per hour, some as little as $8.25 per hour.
“I think that’s barbaric,” Baker said of the low wages.
According to city clerk Michelle Franklin, the measure will increase the city’s payroll by up to $300 per week.
In other business, the council agreed to take bids from contractors to cut the grass along the Chief Ladiga Trail. If the council decides to accept a bid, a part-time city employee, who currently performs the work, would then be given other duties within the parks and recreation department.
Bills for payment were approved in the amount of $400,769.39 in addition to a payroll amount of $109,889.78 for a total of $510,659.17.
Also, the council agreed to send Council Member Frank Cobb as the city’s delegate to the annual Alabama League of Municipalities conference in May, with Baker and Council Member Kenney serving as alternates.
The next regular Piedmont City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5th, at 6 pm.