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94 <br /> <br />LIVING WAGE: REPORT ON COMPETITIVE MARKET WAGES <br /> <br /> Ms. Peacock said that there are currently 19 regular position in the City with <br />hourly wages less than $8. With the pay for performance and market increases, all of <br />these position will be above $8 an hour after July 1. Ms. Peacock said that there are <br />seasonal and substitute positions that earn less than $8 an hour, but in practical terms they <br />are paid at a higher rate in order to attract applicants. Ms. Peacock said that pay ranges <br />for all positions are being looked at and further adjustments may be made. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards suggested that a plan could be developed that would guarantee $8 <br />an hour for all employees who work more than half time, but Mr. O'Connell said that the <br />new pay plan will address this issue. <br /> <br />ONE-TIME SURPLUS FUNDS <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty noted that staffhas estimated that the cost of providing free buses <br />all day for a year would amount to $320,000, and asked what it would cost to provide <br />free buses during off-peak hours. <br /> <br /> Ms. Peacock said free bus rides for a year between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and <br />2:00 p.m. would cost $105,830. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said that surplus funds could also be used for some innovative <br />transit project or to expand services or offer free shuttle services between the University <br />and downtown. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty suggested that funds be set aside and staff be asked to develop a <br />program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he feels any new services should have a basis up from for <br />evaluating it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Peacock noted that any program begun with one-time funds, if successful, <br />would have to be funded out of the General Fund next year. <br />After additional discussion, Councilors agreed that the $58,000 for CTS <br />recommended by staff be approved and that the service be evaluated after one year. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked if there is interest in a tax rebate, providing free car decals <br />or lowering the tax rate. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she would prefer to keep the $500,000 in the fund balance and <br />explore something such as extended bus service. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said that most comments he has received have been requests for free <br />trash stickers, but he would like Council to consider lowering the tax rate. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said that she feels the combination of free recycling and trash <br />stickers provides an incentive for recycling, and expressed concern that providing free <br />trash stickers would cause people to recycle less and result in increased tip fees for the <br />City. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he agrees with Ms. Richards. Mr. Toscano said that Council <br />needs to decide if it philosophically wants to return money to citizens, and if yes, should <br />decide how to r:lo it. Mr. Toscano said that he originally thought he wanted to provide <br />some sort of tax cut or rebate, but has been surprised at the relative disinterest on the part <br />for citizen for doing that. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell saidthat in talking with citizens he has found that ~ost Want the <br />money reinvested in a variety of things such as new sidewalks or drainage projects: <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said it may make sense to reinvest the surplus funds which were <br />generated as a result of re-inventing government in the early 1990's. <br /> <br /> <br />