Plymouth Common Council approves 2027 Salary Ordinance after discussion on fire and pool positions

The Plymouth Common Council unanimously approved the 2027 Salary Ordinance on final reading Monday evening, following discussion about the Assistant Fire Chief's schedule and a stipend for a certified pool operator.

Councilman Duane Culp asked whether the Assistant Fire Chief's hours were changing from a 24-hour shift to a Monday-through-Friday, 8-to-4 schedule.

Fire Chief Steve Holm said the change would provide better daytime coverage when fewer volunteers are available and allow the assistant chief to handle operations while he focuses on administrative work. He noted evenings and weekends typically have adequate coverage.

Councilman Don Ecker asked about the Assistant Chief/Paramedic position and whether it would remain on the 24-hour shift. Holm said that position would stay as-is for now but could move to a day shift in the future as the department grows.

The city attorney clarified that the council was only considering the salary for the position. Changing the job description from a shift position to a Monday-through-Friday schedule would require a separate step before the council. Holm noted the weekday position would be salaried, while the shift position allows for overtime.

Councilman Dave Morrow raised the park department employee who is a certified pool operator. A proposal had called for a $0.25-per-hour stipend for the certification, which hadn't been paid previously. Morrow suggested increasing the stipend to $0.50 per hour.

Mayor Listenberger noted that without a certified pool operator on staff, the city would have to hire one to cover those duties.

The council unanimously approved amending the ordinance to include the $0.50-per-hour stipend, then unanimously approved the 2027 Salary Ordinance on final reading.