Libby councilors approve cost of living pay increases

by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
The Western News | August 1, 2025 7:00 AM

Libby City Councilors approved cost of living pay increases at its July 7 meeting.

The resolution, for July 3, 2025, through July 1, 2026, set the salaries and wages for elected officers, appointed officers and city employees.

Council President Brian Zimmerman made a motion to approve and Councilor Gail Burger seconded it. The motion was OK’d unanimously.

Those receiving increases in the Collective Bargaining Agreement were 1.5% for cost of living and a 1% step increase.

Wages for the mayor, council president and council members remained the same.

For those appointed, the City Attorney will make $94,800 annually while the Fire Chief will make $6,864. The City Administrator will make $35.38 per hour and the City Clerk/Treasurer will make $27.35 per hour.

Here are the salaries and wages for the following city employees:

Assistant Fire Chief and Second Assistant Fire Chief - $2,782 per year; Building Inspector - 75% of permits sold.

Police Chief, Grade 13, Step 22 - $31.44 per hour; Police Sergeant, Grade 12, Step 11 - $26.25; Police Officer, Grade 11, Step 29 - $29.08; Police Officers, Grade 11, Step 2 - $22.22; Police Officer, Grade 11, Step 1 - $22.

Water Treatment Operators: Grade 12, Step 33 - $32.68 per hour; Grade 11, Step 12 - $24.56; Grade 10, Step 2 - $20.48.

Sewer Treatment Operators: Grade 12, Step 2 - $24 per hour; Grade 10, Step 2 - $20.48; Grade 10, Entry - $20.48.

Water Distribution Operators: Grade 11, Step 21 - $26.86 per hour; Grade 10, Step 1 - $20.28.

Street Supervisor, Grade 13, Step 12 - $28.46 per hour. Equipment operators - Foreman (Grade 12, Step 12) - $26.51 per hour; operators, Grade 10, Step 8 - $21.74; Grade 10, Step 4 - $20.89.

Mechanic, Grade 12, Step 18 - $28.15.

Floater, Grade 10, Step 6 - $21.32.

Deputy Clerks, Grade 10, Step 9 - $21.96 per hour; Grade 9, entry - $18.30.

Clerk/Treasuer Leann Monigold said the resolution has been approved in the past during the finalization of the budget. However, to streamline the payroll process with the start of the fiscal year on July 1, it was recommended to bring it before the council for approval.