The Stanfield City Council approved a 3 percent raise for city employees during Tuesday nights council meeting. The raise will be retroactive to the start of the fiscal year, and employees will see the increase in their end-of-July paycheck.

Do we have this kind of money? Councilor Pam McSpadden asked City Manager Scott Pingel.

Pingel said yes, adding the total cost of the raise to the city is less than 1 percent. Despite the 3 percent raise for 20 employees, the combined total salary expense for the city is only $1,630 more following the councils action.

Pingel said thats because the citys maintenance supervisor retired this year, though Pingel added the city will likely fill that position sometime in the fall. Pingel also pointed out some savings in his PERS benefits and a savings in the payroll tax for the city.

The council also approved a $9,400 expenditure to upgrade equipment and software for the Public Works Department to continue water meter reading. According to Scott Morris, the public works director, the city is currently having to borrow equipment.

Its just a nightmare, Morris said, adding the city has sent out bills late, among other issues.

The council also:

Approved a fee reduction in the recently increased city water and sewer rates for low-income senior citizens.

Approved the purchase of a used concrete grinder for repairing sidewalks.

Approved the purchase of playground equipment with roughly $5,000 in grant money from Wildhorse Resort and Casino.

Approved spending between $500 and $1,000 for a feral cat trap, neuter and release program by a 3-2 vote. Jack Huxoll, who voted in favor, said he did not want to see the expense become a recurring one.