HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson City Council approved a new contract with is Service Employees for next year.

The contract was approved after both sides reached an impasse and outside mediator was brought in. Under the new contract employees will get a 3.35 percent merit step increase while those at the top will not see a wage increase but will get a two percent lump sum payment during the year. The other major change is that bereavement leave will no longer be deducted from an employees sick leave and will have its own leave category.

The new contract covers all 911 dispatchers, parks employees and public works.