(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved pay increases for four department heads.

On the recommendation of City Administrator Mike Nichols, the Commission Monday evening approved a $2 an hour pay raise for City Clerk Tish Sims, Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper, Streets Superintendent Nic Siebenmorgen and Water Superintendent Brad Scott.

The pay raises are to bring their salaries more in line with those of similar size cities.

In other business, Nichols informed the Commission that S & A Global, the company that sets municipal bond ratings, is projecting an increase in the city’s bond rating.

Nichols said when he came to the city 5 ½ years ago, the city had just received a notice that its bond rating had gone down.

He credited department heads and the Commission for the turn around, noting its not an easy thing to do.