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NATCHEZ — In a 5 to 1 vote, the Natchez Board of Aldermen approved a package of pay increases for several city employees, most notably the entire city public works department and the mayor.

Ward 4 Alderwoman Felicia Bridgewater-Irving was the sole no vote on the pay increases.

In the past four years, aldermen have awarded pay increases to employees of the city’s police and fire departments to make those positions more attractive to current and potential employees.

It’s the public works department’s turn, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said at a recent meeting.

Individual pay increases vary among public works department employees based on position and length of service. Base pay for starting public works department employees will increase as well. City Clerk Megan McKenzie said the pay increase package for the public works department totals approximately $150,000 per year. That amount includes what the city must pay each employee for the PERS retirement and benefits.

McKenzie said the city’s starting pay for full-time public works employees will increase from $10.75 per hour to $13 per hour.

Also approved in the pay raises were increases for McKenzie, Gibson, and the aldermen.

McKenzie’s pay increased from approximately $84,000 annually to $90,000. Gibson’s pay moves from $68,000 to five percent greater than the city clerk’s, which means his new pay is $94,500 annually.

The six city aldermen currently make $22,000 per year except for Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier. Because Frazier is a retired city police officer, his earnings are capped at roughly half what other aldermen make. Aldermen’s earnings will increase by 8 percent to $23,760. Frazier will receive an 8 percent increase on his current rate.

All pay increases will go into effect on Oct. 1.

The vote on the pay increases came after a closed session to discuss personnel matters and a contract negotiation.

Also, after the executive session, aldermen voted to approve a contract for security services with FSA Enterprises, effective immediately, at the old Titan Tire plant. Dawson Security had provided security at the site, but its owner died recently.