WARSAW — The first 2018 budget review for Warsaw was held yesterday, July 24. Warsaw Common Council met with Human Resources Director Jennifer Whitaker to begin the budget process.

Salaries were the most discussed topic, noted that it is the city’s largest cost but also the most important asset. Currently, the budget has a three percent increase planned for wages in the budget. This does not mean that every city employee will receive a three percent raise, instead the three percent will be used to bring some of the non-competitive wages up to par.

Whitaker explained that the wage committee has met and is comparing different wage studies to properly adjust salaries. The committee is especially looking at those employees in labor, trade and craft jobs. Since January, the city has had 16 employees leave due to wages. This compares to 19 people leaving due to wages in the whole year of 2016.  The main reason for this is the competitive job market in the area.

“Fortunately and unfortunately we live in a high wage area,” commented board member Mike Klondaris.

With the 2018 wage adjustments, Whitaker hopes to bring the majority of city jobs to a competitive wage.

Council members were given a book of budget numbers and paperwork to review before the next meeting. The book includes detailed budget estimates for all departments within the city. The council also agreed on attending a workshop through Umbaugh and Associates to help with the budget process.

The next budget review will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7 and include the non-profit requests. At 6 p.m. on Aug. 21, another meeting will be held with the department heads presenting. The public hearing and first reading of the 2018 budget adoption will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2. The final reading of the budget will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16.