Fort Madison, IA – The Fort Madison City Council is once again working at full strength. The city council has appointed Greg Smith to the post of at-large council member. Smith replaces Steve Ireland, who resigned with 2 years remaining in his term. Ireland was elected mayor last November. Smith is an educational consultant with Great River AEA #16 in Burlington. He says he is excited about the opportunity to serve. Smith says he wants to improve Fort Madison so that residents will stay in the community and make it their home. The city received 4 applications for the at-large post. Residents now have 14 days, if they so choose, to circulate petitions calling for a special election.
In other action, the Fort Madison City Council has approved new contracts with the unions representing the city's police officers, fire fighters, public works employees, and library staff. The 4 two-year contracts take effect July 1. They include pay hikes for employees and increases in deductibles and out of pocket maximums for health insurance. The council tabled a contract with the union representing water department employees because a tentative agreement has not been reached.
Pay Hikes
Year One
Police - 3.5%
Fire - 3.5%
Public Works - $0.50 per hour
Library - $0.40 per hour
Year Two
Police - 3.0%
Fire - 3.0%
Public Works - $0.45 per hour
Library - $0.40 per hour