City officials announce pay increase

Clovis city officials announced Tuesday in a press conference that they will be bringing a 2 percent pay increase for city employees to the city commission at its Aug. 4 meeting.

Mayor Gayla Brumfield and City Manager Joe Thomas, flanked by city commissioners, presented the information to about 65 city employees gathered at City Hall.

The raise does not affect groups such as the Clovis Police Department, who are involved in separate collective bargaining.

Brumfield, Thomas and city commissioners thanked the city employees for their work. Brumfield outlined successes from each department in the last fiscal year, including the Hull Street Overpass, several street renovations, 62,732 rides from Clovis Area Transit System and a decrease in crime.

Brumfield said according to the census, Clovis has grown 15.6 percent in 10 years.

“I don’t need to tell you that. You know that your services have been stretched,” she said.

Thomas said employees received a 1.5 percent increase last year.

“It’s a little less than other years when times were good. We wish we could do more,” Thomas said.

The increase will cost $359,991 and goes into effect Aug. 7, pending approval by the city commission.

City employees have enjoyed a pay increase each year for the last 10 years, Thomas said. In 2002, employees did not receive a raise.

Commissioner Len Vohs said the attitude of employees makes the city a success.

“The all-in attitude that each of you has given the city is incredible,” he said. “It’s important.”

Sheila Holley with parks maintenance said any raise is good.

“Money’s money,” Holley said. “Anytime you can get a raise, it’s good.”

Holley said she’s heard of other cities not being able to give their employees raises.

“Some don’t even get that,” she said. “So I’m glad.”