Oskaloosa City Council Approves Pay Raises, Amends Budgets, and Makes Partial Payment to 911 Board

The Oskaloosa City Council met on Monday evening, April 15, 2024, led by Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Drost.

Newly elected 4th Ward Councilmember Abu Ibrahim was sworn into office by Drost. Ibrahim won the special election over former councilmember Jimmy Carter to replace Steve Burnett, who resigned.

The Oskaloosa City Council approved a 5% salary increase for all non-union employees beginning July 1, 2024.

With the pay increase, Oskaloosa City Manager Amal Eltahir’s salary will increase to $168,525, while Development Services Director Shawn Christ’s salary will rise to $122,626.

Oskaloosa’s City Clerk and Finance Director, Amy Miller, will be paid $112,350 annually.

Two other employees, including the Oskaloosa Police Chief and the Assistant Deputy Public Director, will make $104,231 beginning July 1, 2024.

The measure to increase these salaries was passed by a split vote. Almond, Caligiuri, Drost, Hermsen, and Ibrahim voted in favor, while Comfort and Ossian voted against it.

The City of Oskaloosa made a “voluntary” payment to Mahaska County 911 of $237,703.00.

This amount is about half of the total outstanding balance the City owes to the 911 Board for services rendered.

The measure passed unanimously.

The Council also voted to amend and certify the amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget and then to adopt the 2025 budget.