College OKs raises delayed by pandemic

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- Mid-Plains Community College governors gave administrators and classified staff salary increases delayed during last year’s pandemic uncertainties.

Noting that MPCC was one of the few colleges that reopened last fall with minor capacity restrictions while maintaining precautions, the board approved, retroactive to July 1, 2020 a 2 percent increase in administrative salaries including the president’s as well as a 35 cents-per hour increase for classified staff wages.

The board also approved a 2 percent increase in administrative salaries, excluding the college president, a 36 cents-per-hour increase for classified staff, .25 percent increase in retirement contribution match for eligible administration and classified staff and a $25 per credit hour increase for adjunct faculty for the 2021-22 school year.

According to a release, “CARES and HEERF funds have provided for most decreases in revenues and additional expenditures incurred due the pandemic. Due to more certainty surrounding our revenues and expenditures and with the proposed changes to payroll processing, it was recommended to consider the increase.”

In other business, the board:

-- Awarded Condon Signs a $270,000 contract for a digital sign at Highway 83 and Sunrise Drive, pending approval of the sign permit.

-- Approved an application for a USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant.

-- Awarded a $1.355 million contract to Steele’s Roofing and Construction for the remodeling project at McCook Community College’s Chilc Development Center.

-- Approved the purchase of a bus for $199,900 less trade value of $46,500 for a net price of $153,400 from Master’s Transportation.

The next meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. April 21 at the McCook Community College Student Union.