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New Contracts for FM Employees

Fort Madison has wrapped up contract talks with four employee unions.

The city council has ratified new agreements with employees in the police, public works and water departments as well as the public library.

The new contracts take effect July 1, 2013.

The only multi-year contract in the mix is with the police department.

The two-year deal includes 3% wage hikes on July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014, a reduction in max comp time accumulation and a change in holiday pay.

Water department employees will get 2.4% raises on July 1, more money for safety shoes and more longevity pay.

Library workers are also in line for more longevity pay along with 3% while public works employees will get 3% raises and more freedom for using sick leave.

The four contracts do call for some reduced benefits for future employees.

LEASE FOR SEWER LINE
Lee County is helping Fort Madison with an upcoming sewer project.

Fort Madison plans to extend a sewer line towards several industries located west of the city along Highway 61.

The Lee County Board of Supervisors has agreed to lease the city land near the jail to build a lift station.

The county will also provide a utility easement.

City Manager Byron Smith says securing that location allows Fort Madison to proceed with the rest of the project.

He says the project should go out for bid in the fall.

A federal grant will be used to pay for half of the $3-million project with the city borrowing the rest.

Lee County plans to connect its jail to the new sewer line once it is in place.

STREET BORROW
The Fort Madison City Council has authorizing the borrowing of up to $6-million for street and park improvements.

City Manager Byron Smith says the city plans to sell bonds in mid-July so it can have money available by early August.

Some construction could occur this fall with the bulk of it taking place next year.

WATER LINE
Fort Madison will extend a water line to a new business near the city’s water plant.

City Manager Byron Smith says KL Megla Architectural will pay 2/3 of the cost of the project ($26,000).

KL Megla’s website says the company specializes in hardware manufacturing.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.