By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

GALENA, Kan. — The Galena City Council met Tuesday to try to find ways to give pay raises to city employees. None of the city’s employees received an increase in pay this year.

Raising property taxes to pay for employee raises was taken off the table early, partly because it could not be done because the town already has set its 2009 budget.

“We have to find some other way to do it, without burdening down the taxpayers more,” said Councilman David Sizemore.

Mayor Dale Oglesby agreed.

“I’m not for raising our taxes any more,” he said.

Sizemore presented the Council with salary levels of employees in Columbus and Baxter Springs, all of which were higher than those for similar positions in Galena.

“Our pay scale is way down,” Sizemore said.

“They are not getting paid what they should; what they’re worth,” said Councilman Todd Martin.

There was some discussion about cutting wasteful spending, but Oglesby said he doubted that enough savings could be found to make a dent in salary increases.

“I’ve never seen that work,” Oglesby said.

The mayor said increasing city utilities is a possible source of salary increases for employees.

“To me, the absolute least we should do is a cost-of-living increase,” Oglesby said. Other Council members said raises for longevity and performance also should be considered.

Oglesby said the town is poised for revenue growth in the future, with the planned opening about a year from now of a medical office building for Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States. A specialty hospital with surgical suites also is in future plans at the site.