Palmerton’s Public Works Department workers have a new contract that includes wage increases for the next three years.

On a 6-1 vote, borough council on Thursday approved a three-year contract for the Public Works Department, retroactive to Sept. 1.

Council President Terry Costenbader, who was opposed, explained his vote after the meeting.

The contract was changed; from the time I left it on the table in front of the union and the time that we finished it, the contract changed,” Costenbader said. “When I had this contract in front of the union, I told them that is what’s it’s going to be.”

Borough manager Donna McGarry said the contract calls for wage increases of 4.5%, 3.5%, and 3.5%.

She said it also increases sick day allowance from six days to seven days, with an accumulation up to 60 days allowed; an increase in personal day allowance from six days to seven days; an increase in shoe allowance from $150 to $175; and an increase in eye/dental benefit from $1,500 to $2,000.

McGarry said that employees will see an increase in their medical insurance deductible in 2023. It is currently $250/person with maximum $750/family, but will increase to $500/person with maximum $1,000 family.

She said the contract also calls for other minor changes for work schedules, off-time allowances, and pay for working in a higher classification.

The Public Works Department has 10 employees.