(KLZA)-- Following a lengthy discussion during their June 14th meeting, the Pawnee City Council unanimously approved pay raises to City staff members.

The Wage Committee proposed a mix of 5 – 7 percent wage increases. The increase would bump City Crew members up to slightly above the entry level pay of $19 per hour for county employees.

The approved wages will bring City Clerk / Treasurer Tammy Curtis to $25.34 per hour and Foreman Spencer Cumley to $24.15 per hour which were five-percent increases.

Assistant City Clerk Kellie Wiers received a seven-percent increase to $21an hour. Crew mbers received pay increases amounting to more than eight percent.

Mayor Charlie Hatfield said “that his boss has always said that when you get a good crew, you pay them because you want to keep them even if it costs you a little more.”

The Council also approved switching from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health insurance for City employees to United Healthcare.