Wheatland revenue bounce allows city salary bump

A small bounce in revenue for Wheatland has prompted a small, mid-year bounce in city salaries.

The City Council voted last week for a 2 percent "cost of living" pay increase for the city's police, public works and administration employees.

"We had more revenues than we had anticipated," said Mayor Enita Elphick. "We're not doing fabulous, but we're a little ahead of what we'd budgeted."

The fact that Wheatland has not suffered layoffs or operated under a deficit during a dismal economy was notable, Elphick said.

She credits Wheatland residents for voting to approve a half-cent sales tax increase in 2010 — a move that made the difference in boosting revenues for the city, she said.

"That half cent has really made a huge difference," Elphick said.

Gas stations are the primary source for sales tax revenues in the city, and the half-cent increase is expected to result in $40,000 to $50,000 extra this year.

A similar effort was made in 2008 to increase Marysville's sales tax, but it failed.

Wheatland's modest salary increase will add roughly $11,000 to the city's budget, Elphick said.

The city's ability to stay afloat in a difficult economy owes much, she said, to the council's ability to stay focused on the needs of the city, and to answer to Wheatland residents.

"There's a good rapport and — it makes a difference," Elphick said. "We have a reserve and our bonds are paid off."

CONTACT Nancy Pasternack at npasternack@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4781. Find her on Facebook at /ADnpasternack or on Twitter at @ADnpasternack.