By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission agreed to a new labor agreement between the city and the Marquette Department of Public Works’ employees during its Monday meeting.

The agreement marks a two-year extension of the contract between the city and the DPW and Utilities Employees’ Chapter of AFSCME Local #1852 The terms of the agreement include a 5% wage increase for employees in 2023, with additional 3% increase in 2024 and 2025.

In addition to the annual wage increase, the city and the union agreed to a $400 per-employee bonus for signing the agreement.

The initial contract took effect in October of 2021 and would have expired on Sept. 30, 2024.

“I’m just happy to see this get done. It’s a testament to our labor union as well as our negotiators to really come up with a fair deal here,” said Commissioner Jermey Ottaway. “Obviously, as inflation has went up, the cost of us paying our employees is going to be the same and we understand that. I think that a fair deal was done here.”

The updated pay scale and bonuses are expected to cost the city approximately $152,000.

An adjustment to the city’s budget will be required to accommodate the increased payouts.

“I’m glad that we were able to come to an agreement and that it has a couple extra years on it so we can focus on the tasks ahead of us and hopefully continue to recognize and reward our employees in future years,” said Commissioner Jenna Smith.

In other business, the commission approved two ordinances which will rezone two plots of city land.

The first plot of land, 1025 Osprey Ct., was changed from a Planned Unit Development to a Multiple-Family Residential zoning district.

According to planning commission documents, the developer failed to complete the project, which was proposed in 2003, and was later indicted for defrauding investors.

The plot of land has been acquired by Marquette County and has been listed for sale in hopes of producing property tax revenue.

The commission also voted to rezone 905 N. Lakeshore Blvd. to a Mixed-Use zoning district after the developer on that project failed to complete it, planning commission documents state.