The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved updates to the 2026 city salary order and three golf job descriptions on Aug. 6, clarifying seasonal and specialty positions and removing obsolete entries.
Staff said the changes are intended to tidy the salary order, add new, specific job classifications and reflect current practice. Among the changes: the beverage cart operator will be listed with a distinct job description rather than lumped into a generic laborer classification; the Ranger Starter position will move from volunteer to paid status; and a Golf Pro job description will be added that requires PGA pro certification.
Shannon said the mayor will recommend that salary entries use “up to” amounts rather than single flat rates so managers can hire below top-step rates and retain merit-based flexibility. “The mayor is going to recommend this year that every position on the salary order from seasonal up to full-time salaried will not be just a flat rate. They're all gonna be an up to amount,” Shannon said.
Board discussion included fisheries about hours and seasonal variability; staff said seasonal hours fluctuate depending on seven-day operations and program needs. A board member suggested softening a phrase in the beverage cart description that referred to interacting with “irate individuals”; staff said the phrase is part of a citywide template but the board could request uniform adjustments.
A motion to approve the salary order changes and the three golf job descriptions was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff noted additional job descriptions (e.g., for an employee with a special certificate) will come to the board when ready.