KEYSTONE HEIGHTS—The council voted 4-0 to expand its payroll budget by 17% and grant a 5% raise for public works employees at a possible new meeting location at the Historic Keystone Pavilion on June 3.

For the 2022-2023 Budget Year, the city's general fund income was $1,023,055. With about 43% going toward expenses and 41% for payroll, the city had $158,728 left over. 

During a workshop on May 21, Mayor Nina Rodenroth expressed an interest in setting a target of a 60/40 split between payroll and expenses—60% going to payroll and 40% going toward expenses. 

The council also voted unanimously—with Councilmember Dan Lewandowski absent—to increase payroll expenditures from $423,476 to $625,814, which increases payroll expenditures from 41% to 58% of the city's income.

The city is now projected to have $17,783 in income left over, with the city's income expected to increase by 6% since 2023. 

The increased payroll clarifies five full-time positions and one part-time position in City Hall: public works director, executive assistant/event coordinator, project manager, cemetery manager, public works employee and front desk employee. 

Before the vote, Councilmember Christine Thompson amended the proposal to include a 5% raise for public works employees instead of 3%, which she said was overdue. 

"When was the last time (public works employees) got a cost-of-living adjustment?" Thompson said.

"My feeling is 3% isn't very much, especially since we don't know when they had the last one," she added. 

With the amended proposal passing 4-0,  Rodenroth met her 60/40 goal.

"The decision is a positive investment for the city and its citizens," Rodenroth said. 

"We are still in good shape by increasing our staffing and will continue to have money left. Without proper staffing, the city hosts limited events and projects are extended indefinitely due to lack of staffing. Expanding our resources is a good decision for the community," Rodenroth said.

The council is considering to continue meeting at the Pavilion since it has more room and a picturesque view of Lake Geneva as a backdrop.