The city of Warsaw wants to remain compatible for employee wages so the Board of Public Works and Safety has agreed to fund approximately $6,000 to study the city’s compensation guidelines.

Warsaw’s Human Resources Director Jennifer Whitaker this morning asked for the board’s approval to allow Waggoner, Irwin, Scheele & Associations Inc. of Muncie to perform the study. At a maximum cost of $6,640 and a minimum of $5,885, the management consulting firm will conduct public and private sector compensation analysis of similar market positions, prepare a report of findings and provide consultation to the city.

As part of the study, WISA Inc. will review job descriptions and review city compensation policies and practices as they relate to the Fair Labor Standards Act. It is estimated the study will take 90 days to complete. Whitaker explained, “I’d like to have it done by March so we can begin looking at the next budget and what we’ll need … it’s important to realize where we need to be with salaries.”

B.O.W. Jeff Grose commended Whitaker calling the study “the right thing” and added, “I appreciate that you’re trying to do with right thing.”

The B.O.W., made up of Grose, Charlie Smith and mayor Joe Thallemer, agreed to fund the study.

In other business, the board awarded bids for 2014 supplies for the Department of Public Works. Irving Materials was awarded the contract for limestone and Kuert Concrete won bids for ready mix concrete and flowable back material. Phend & Brown won bids for bituminous materials and concrete curb and flatwork.

The B.O.W. meets the first and third Fridays of each month at city hall. Meetings begin at 10:30 a.m.