Othello allows employee incentive program

Up to $75 per month per certification

OTHELLO - Nonunion employees working for the City of Othello are now eligible for pay incentives for earned certifications.

Othello City Council unanimously approved to give up to $75 per month per earned certification.

Union employees working for the city receive pay incentives but there was nothing in place for nonunion employees, City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said. He asked council to consider the incentive program after a city clerk earned an additional certification earlier this month.

Deputy City Clerk Rebecca Dover earned her certified municipal clerk certification and worked approximately three years to obtain it, he said.

She will now be considered for the pay increase.

Sheldon said he would review certifications and make recommendations to the mayor for those eligible for the incentive.

Councilmember Eleanor Brodahl asked if other cities do similar programs.

Sheldon said he knows of at least one other city which has a similar program but did not provide a list.

Brodahl motioned to approve the creation of the incentive program and Councilmember Ken Caylor seconded.

Councilmember Tim Wilson asked if the program could include people who may have earned certifications earlier this year.

Sheldon said he would review if it's a possibility to do so.

Councilmember Marc Spohr was absent from the meeting.