By MICHAEL SIMMONS, Madison County Journal Wednesday, November 2, 2016 6:00 PM
CANTON — Employees at Canton Municipal Utilities will all make a minimum of $15 per hour after the CMU Board voted unanimously to increase starting wages Tuesday. The board discussed the matter in executive session and then voted 4-0 to approve the measure. Commissioner John Noble resigned from the board on Tuesday prior to the CMU meeting. (See story, A1). Interim General Manager/CFO Mark Johnson said the increase will have a “minimal financial impact” on CMU, costing approximately $88,000 per year. Officials said there would be no rate increase as a result of the measure. It instantly affected approximately 20 employees. CMU commissioners also voted unanimously to allow employees who retire with 20 years of service or more to keep the CMU health insurance as long as they paid the deductible. CMU Chairman Charles Weems said this was a good thing as insurance costs rise and COBRA insurance can be so expensive. In other CMU board news: • Commissioners tabled a request from Canton Redevelopment Authority for $250,000 to fund the fiscal year. • Commissioners approved accepting multiple proposals for economic development consulting purposes. • Commissioners approved an open records policy. Copies will cost ten cents each and $10 per hour for labor in putting together open records proposals. • Commissioners approved amendments to bylaws that included striking language that was inconsistent with state law. • Commissioners approved a report from the interim general manager and CFO Mark Johnson. • Commissioners discussed Safe Routes to Schools project. CMU is working with MDOT to determine if there are any utility conflicts. – See more https://madisoncountyeda.com/CMU-minimum-wage-raised-to-15-hr/.
