A. The arbitrators shall conduct the hearings and render their decision upon the basis of a prompt, peaceful, and just settlement of all submitted disputes between the employees and the employer. The factors, among others, to be given weight by the arbitrators in arriving at a decision shall include:
1. Comparison of wage rates, insurance, retirement, or other fringe benefits of the employees in question with the prevailing wage rates of skilled employees of the building trades and industry in the local operating area involved.
2. Comparison of wage rates, insurance, retirement, or other fringe benefits of the employees in question with wage rates maintained for the same or similar work of employees exhibiting like or similar skills under the same or similar working conditions in the local operating area involved.
3. Comparison of wage rates, insurance, retirements, or other fringe benefits of the employees in question with wage rates of similar employees in cities, towns, or other political subdivisions of comparable size and economic status within the state of Oklahoma and bordering states. "Comparable size" shall be defined as no less and no more than ten percent (10%) difference in population based on the last census. "Comparable economic status" shall be defined as cities which own and operate only a water utility (no other utilities) and which sales tax revenue for the previous year was no less and no more than ten percent (10%) different from the city of Enid's sales tax revenue.
4. Interest and welfare of the public and revenues available to the municipality; or
5. Comparison of peculiarities of employment in regard to other trades or professions, including specifically:
a. Hazards of employment,
b. Physical qualifications,
c. Educational qualifications,
d. Mental qualifications, and
e. Job training and skills. (Ord. 2014-02, 1-7-2014)