City Workers Agree to Wage Freeze

Amid a budget crisis, 35 full-time city employees are forgoing cost-of-living increases next year. Resolution No. 10-1585 to amend city staff's compensation plan will go before the City Council for deliberation tonight. 

Pending the Council's decision, the raise freeze will be effective July 1, which is the start of the new fiscal year. A cost of living adjustment for 2011-12 will depend on whether the city can balance its budget for that fiscal year.

"I applaud our employees and their dedication to the city, and their realization that keeping all of our staff, although small, employed means that we can continue to provide the valuable services at a level that this community demands and deserves," said Assistant City Manager Nathan Hamburger.

Under the new plan, the city will raise health care and vision insurance premiums for workers beginning Jan. 1. Dental benefits will also be increased for the first time since 1997.

The proposed general fund budget for the new fiscal year is $10.9 million, which is 5 percent less than the current year's budget due to decreases in sales tax and building permit revenues. The city's overall budget totals $23.5 million.

"It [the wage freeze] definitely made presenting a balanced budget to the City Council and our community more feasible," said Hamburger.

The Agoura Hills City Council will meet at 7 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall, 30001 Ladyface Court.

Stay tuned for a follow-up story tomorrow.