The Fiscal Year 2018-19 City budget will be submitted to the City Council for approval on June 5. Almost 59 percent of the General Fund pays for costs relating to the City’s greatest asset, our employees. Employee salaries and benefits constitute more than $69 million of the total City budget.
For the fifth fiscal year in a row, City employees will receive salary increases. Similar to last year, the new budget includes salary increases of 2.5 to 4 percent, effective June 23, for full-time and part-time employees. The budget also maintains the annual $350 Christmas bonus for eligible employees, to be distributed the last week in November. The City will continue the 401(k) program for all full-time employees at the current 5 percent level. The new budget increases the Employee Education Reimbursement Program maximum to $1,000 per employee.
Rising health care costs continue to impact the City’s Insurance Fund. The FY 2018-19 budget factors in a 7 percent increase to cover medical expenses incurred by employees enrolled in the City’s health insurance program. The new budget will continue funding for a $750 payment to a Health Savings Account for all employees who have City health insurance. Employees not federally eligible for an HSA will receive the same amount. Wellness initiatives and incentives will also continue next fiscal year.
As a part of the benefits supported by the new budget, for the first time, retirees who are enrolled in the City’s health plan will be able to use the onsite health clinic. A Citywide internship program has also been established.