This process is intended to promote harmonious relations within the Village between the Village government and its employees. Harmonious relations will insure reasonable, responsible, orderly and an uninterrupted operation of government service for the benefit of Village residents.
As with any process, there are several roles which contribute to the result. In this process there are three (3) major roles: the Board of Trustees, the Village Manager, and the employees.
The Board of Trustees is the legislative body of the Village. It passes ordinances and approves the budget and expenditures.
Second, there is the Village Manager. By law and ordinance, he is the administrative head of the Village government. Among other duties, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Village, he is responsible for the employees and the financial reports to the Board of Trustees prior to preparation of the annual budget.
Third, there are the employees who perform various duties and serve under the administrative direction of the Village Manager through his department and division heads.
As part of his duties, the Village Manager has the responsibility to establish ground rules and procedures whereby employees meet with him or his designee regarding input on employee wages and benefits. By reviewing input from the employees, the Manager is able to formulate recommendations for the Board of Trustees' consideration in the preparation of the annual budget. From these suggestions the Board of Trustees is in a position to make informed decisions when considering any proposed budget.
The process shall basically consist of the Village Manager or his designee meeting periodically with the members of the occupational categories and other employees for the purpose of discussing wages and fringe benefits. Written agreements may from time to time result from these discussions.
With regard to the wage and benefit process, the Village and the employees shall consider the Village as lawful authority. All requests should be made in the interest and welfare of the public. The ability of the Village to finance any proposed changes of operations and any and all other factors shall be considered in determining salary and fringe benefits.