The Indianola Board of Aldermen decided again Monday to table a decision about providing hazardous pay for city employees who have been required to continue working during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mayor Steve Rosenthal mentioned a once a month payment after he reintroduced the item; however, concern over the possible budget deficit and a question about whether the federal government would reimburse any payout and if so, under what conditions led to again postponing a decision.
"I wouldn't spend a dime counting on getting reimbursed. Either we do it or we don't do it based on whether we can afford it," Rosenthal said.
He asserted that so far only fire and police have been mentioned with regard to receiving the federal funds.
He said he was in agreement with doing something, but within the city’s budget.
Alderman Gary Fratesi said, "There are no limits!"
He asserted that Rosenthal should not be proposing a plan when the city is already facing a shortfall and possible added expenses.
Rosenthal responded that he was simply saying "mechanically" how it could be done, not proposing an amount.
