Ellsworth city employees will soon have a little extra money in their pockets thanks to action taken Monday by the Ellsworth City Council.

After a 15-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, specifically personnel matters, the council approved a 1 percent cost of living raise for all city employees, as well as merit raises based on information provided to them.

The COLA increase and merit raises are effective Jan. 1, 2020.

In other business:

• No action was taken after a 10-minute executive session with city attorney Patrick Hoffman to discuss matters protected by attorney-client privilege, specifically privileged information.

• No action was taken after a five-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, specifically employee performance.

• Approval was given to accept a donation of the property at 119 Court Ave. in Ellsworth from Ernie Nienke. Ellsworth Fire Chief Bob Kepka said his department plans to use the property for training. Kepka also said city ownership of the property, a full eighth of a city block, will possibly help Ellsworth’s ISO rating, meaning a possible 10-20 percent insurance savings on commercial properties in town.

• Approval was given to a bid from Mid America Pool Renovation to resurface the Ellsworth city swimming pool not to exceed $75,000.

• Approval was given to a recommendation by street superintendent Delvin Bettenbrock to order street signs from Econo Signs not to exceed $1,100.

• Before the petitions and delegations portion of the meeting, where the public has the opportunity to address the council, Hoffman said he reminded officials they entered into a settlement agreement and they can’t make any comments regarding Scott Moore, the former city administrator.

“So if anyone during petitions and delegations wants to make comments, they’re welcome to,” Hoffman said.“But if you ask questions of them (the council) I’ve asked them not to answer specific questions so we do not violate that agreement.”

No questions were asked by the patrons present.

Patti Booher, city clerk, said the city had a proposed mill levy of 75.517, but it actually came out at 75.855, which is .338 mills higher than the city’s adopted budget. She also said the city’s assessed value went up $285,734 from the number she used for the budget. The city’s final valuation is $15,940,916.

“I just thought I’d throw that out there,” she said.

The next meeting of the Ellsworth City Council will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at Room 900 at the Ellsworth Golf Course.