Luverne starts new three-year contract with city employees

City of Luverne union employees are about to start a new three-year contract, which was approved at the Dec. 20 City Council meeting.
The new three-year labor agreement calls for a 4.5 percent increase in 2023, a 3.5 percent increase in 2024 and a 3.5 percent increase in 2025.
Council members acted on year-end finance resolutions that included other wage adjustments for 2023.
The city’s non-union, administrative and department heads will also receive 4.5-percent salary increases effective Jan. 1.
The following increases include step and lane changes and account for additional duties where applicable.
City Administrator John Call retired at a salary of $140,431. His replacement, Jill Wolf, is starting at $130,000.
Finance director Barb Berghorst retired at $117,499 in July. Her replacement, finance director Robyn Wessels, will receive a salary increase from $96,470 to $101,982.
Water and wastewater supervisor Al Lais retired at $104,187. His replacement, Darrel Ykema, will receive a salary of $88,899.
Public works supervisor John Stoffel’s salary increased from $95,202 to $100,651.
City clerk Jessica Mead’s salary increased from $80,850 to $85,654.
Accountant Candy Reese’s salary increased from $86,195 to $91,250.
Building official Chad McClure’s salary increased from $85,072 to $90,085.
Pool manager Sam Honerman’s salary increased from $80,850 $85,654.
EDA director Holly Sammons’ salary increased from $79,727 to $84,469.
Liquor store manager Kenny Rolling’s salary increased from $78,603 to $83,304.
Peggy Adams filled the position of deputy finance clerk when Wessels was promoted. Her salary increased from $70,720 to $75,088.
Assistant pool manager Michelle DeKam’s salary increased from $57,242 to $60,986.
Electric department salaries are paid from the city’s $600,000 contract with Missouri River Energy Services.
Those workers — Brian Remme, Mike Gangestad, Mike Buss and Jeff Bechthold — are MRES employees, and their salary information is not public. The department is currently hiring for an open position.