By Christina Gramling
During a special meeting on Dec. 13, Des Moines City Council approved a 5 percent raise for the city manager.

The City Council met Tuesday night to vote on last minute amendments to the 2011 budget as well as a wage increase in 2012 for City Manager Tony Piasecki.

The raise includes a cost of living adjustment (COLA) and a merit increase.

Last year Piasecki received a COLA, however, he did not receive a wage step increase or merit raise.

Councilmember Scott Thomasson abstained. Because his term will end this year, he said he didn’t think it was appropriate to vote on the matter.

The proposed 2011 budget amendments included an over expenditures in fuel purchases by the marina and extra costs concerning the field house ball field upgrades that took place earlier this year.

The marina’s budget breaker was caused by an unexpected increase in sales.

“The marina had a good year. So, well they had to buy more fuel,” Piasecki said. All of the fuel purchased was offset by consumer sales and the amendment was only a technicality, he said.

On the other hand, an unfortunate drainage problem arose while the field house ball fields were getting a face lift and city crews had to fix the problem. Money needed to be taken from the general fund to offset the costs and budget.

Both amendments were approved.

This meeting concluded the 2011 City Council calendar. The next meeting will be held Jan. 5.