In a recent City Commission meeting held on May 6, 2025, the Herington City Council engaged in a thorough discussion regarding amendments to the personnel policy, particularly focusing on the contentious issue of longevity pay. The conversation revealed a long-standing confusion surrounding the policy, which had not been actively enforced since its adoption in 2019.

City Manager Motti highlighted that the longevity pay section was poorly written and lacked clarity, leading to uncertainty about whether employees who had been with the city for five years or more were entitled to back pay. He noted that no requests for this pay had been made in the past five years, and the city had not budgeted for it. Motti recommended removing the section entirely, suggesting that if the commission wished to reward long-term employees, they could consider implementing a new policy that would provide bonuses or raises every five years.

The discussion took a deeper turn when legal counsel was consulted, emphasizing that while the city could remove the longevity pay from the policy, there was a potential risk of liability if the language in the policy was deemed binding. Ultimately, the commission agreed to amend the personnel policy by removing the longevity pay section, with plans to revisit the issue later to explore alternative ways to reward long-term employees.

In addition to the longevity pay discussion, the commission also considered adding Presidents' Day as a recognized holiday. While most cities offer around 12 holidays, the commission debated the necessity of this addition. Ultimately, it was decided not to include Presidents' Day in the current policy revisions.

Another significant topic was the proposal to provide temporary housing for healthcare professionals rotating through the local clinic. The city manager suggested that offering an apartment at a discounted rate could help attract healthcare workers to Herington, addressing a critical need in the community. The commission expressed support for this initiative, agreeing that it could serve as an incentive for healthcare professionals to consider working in the area.

As the meeting concluded, the commission directed staff to continue refining the personnel policy and to explore options for supporting healthcare recruitment, reflecting a commitment to enhancing employee benefits and community health services. The discussions underscored the city's ongoing efforts to adapt policies to better serve both its employees and the residents of Herington.