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Special Council Meeting August 19, 2024 Page 3 Mayor Pankaj asked how many police officers we were down. Chief Salter said the department was down 15 officers but had 6 in training. Next, Mayor Pro -Tem Savage asked about increasing the mowing budget and referenced that the corner lots needed to be mowed so people could see. He expressed concern about safety. Council Member Putnam asked that they look at the city attorney budget and specifically if they could cut out some from the line item for a tax lawyer, citing it was $55,000.00. City Attorney Stephanie Harris said that money was coming from revenue because the tax lawyer sold tax delinquent properties for the City. Council Member Putnam confirmed with Ms. Harris that the salaries were for her, and one paralegal and then contracted attorneys. She asked if that was always used. Ms. Harris said it was and that she had taken $10,000.00 off of that this year. She also said a prosecutor was part of the contract services. Council Member Putnam said she also wanted to look at cutting other places. Ms. Harris said she had room in her publications that she could cut and that would be several thousand dollars. Council Member Ellis wanted to know who set the salaries. Mr. Anderson said they were on a step and grade plan. Council Member Putnam inquired as to the review process of COLAs. Mr. Anderson said when the next salary study is done, it will be determined if Paris is in-line with other similar cities. Mayor Pro -Tem Savage inquired who determined re- classification of jobs. Mr. Vine said that the two that were being proposed for reclassification were recommended by Grayson Path, to help the Public Works Director and the IT Department. Next, Mr. Vine discussed with City Council police pay and a COLA for retirees. Mayor Pro -Tem Savage inquired if they did a salary increase to $70,000.00 would they still be available to do the updated service credit and a COLA for retirees. Mr. Anderson answered in the affirmative. Mr. Anderson reviewed the police pay increase options of $66,000.00, $68,000.00 and $70,000.00, along with the de-minimis tax rate and the effect of the tax rate for each option. Mayor Pankaj said he was in favor of $70,000.00 and inquired of Council what direction they wanted to give to Staff. Mayor Pro -Tem Savage inquired if Council could see an updated budget. Mr. Anderson said he could get it to them on Thursday. Council Member Ellis said he was in favor of the COLA for retirees. Council Member Norment favored the COLA but said the police department was her main focus. Council Member Putnam said she was fine with the COLA but the police department was her focus. Council Member Kessel said he was in favor of a COLA but preferred the police salary increase be $66,000.00 or $68,000.00. 5. Adjournment. There being no further business, a Motion to adjourn was made by Mayor Pro -Tem Savage and seconded by Council Member Norment. Motion carried, 6 ayes - 0 nays. Mayor Pankaj adjourned the meeting,o �alt!909t}n. �.�` F 1"E C17 I N ICE ELLIS CITY CLE. ////III I11100 J1HP K %U, MAYOR