Joplin city council approves $164M budget - KOAM TV 7

Joplin city council approves $164M budget; temporarily suspends pay increases

A new pay plan suspends all scheduled pay increases for city workers in Joplin.  Last night the city council decided to put a six-month delay on the new performance-based pay plan as it switches from its old pay system based on length of employment.

That means a temporary pay freeze while the city waits for performance reviews.

The council also passed a new budget last night.

The $164 million budget is for the next fiscal year, which starts November 1.

It includes proposals for tornado recovery programs, a plan to handle billing for waste-water services, and some big projects including street construction and two new fire stations.

Council members say it's a necessary step as the new year approaches.