City of Ash Grove to stop COVID pay at February’s end

New wage set for police, pool personnel; Jones named Ward 2 alderman
By a unanimous vote at its Jan. 3 meeting, the Ash Grove Board of Aldermen voted to officially end COVID pay on Feb. 28, for anyone who misses work due to the illness. Although some discussion was had regarding COVID pay for those who could provide a positive test, in the end it was determined the city would do away with the pay altogether.

Rate set for police, pool personnel
Also during the meeting, the board voted to set the hourly pay for new police officers at $18.50 per hour, and the chief position at a starting salary of $55,000, annually.
For city pool personnel, life guards and the assistant pool manager will now earn $11 per hour, while the pool manager will be making $14 per hour.
Also involving the pool, the board unanimously voted to purchase a new battery, receiver and charger for the pool lift, which has been out of service for years. The total bill for the repairs rings the bell at $1,162, plus shipping.

Jones appointed to vacated Simpson seat
Ash Grove resident Jackson Jones was appointed to the Ash Grove Board of Aldermen Ward 2 seat, left vacant by Diana Simpson, at the body's Dec. 20, 2021 meeting. The appointment made by Mayor Les Gardner was then approved by the other three board members with a vote of 3-0. Jones was then sworn in by City Clerk Melissa Mau.