(a)    Generally, a new permanent classified employee shall be paid the minimum rate of pay for the classification. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the director. For example, an exception may be made if the new employee exceeds the minimum qualifications or if the city has experienced difficulty in recruiting and retaining employees in the classification.

    (b)    The city manager may authorize pay adjustments for current employees in a work unit when a new employee in the work unit is hired at a rate of pay that creates an inequity in pay for current employees in the work unit.  A department head who wishes to make a pay adjustment under this subsection shall submit a request for pay adjustment to the director.  The director shall forward the request, along with the director’s recommendation, to the city manager.  In adjusting pay under this subsection, consideration shall be given to the employee’s experience, qualifications, work performance and any disciplinary action taken against the employee.

(Code 1964, § 22.520(1) ; Ord. No. 17850, § 1, 9-15-03; Ord. No. 18254, § 1, 9-20-04)