DeKalb staircases may change in size if a proposed ordinance passes at a December meeting.

The Code Enforcement Division presented the new International Code to the DeKalb City Council on Monday night.

The proposal would make staircases two feet longer, because stairs would be widened and the height would be shortened.

“This design is a lot safer and closer to the commercial standard,” Community Development Director Paul Rasmussen said.

If the new code isn’t adopted, the Insurance Services Office rating for the Building Division will decrease.

“This sets the tone of how everything else is built in the city,” Rasmussen said.

The council agreed to discuss the ordinance in December.

The new code would be grandfathered, and would not apply to buildings in the construction phase.

The council also discussed the the 2003 Property Tax Levy, which needs to be filed by Dec. 23, but decided that more information was needed before taking further action.

Previous property tax levies were used to fund general operating costs of the municipality and municipal airport.

The mayor once again expressed his hopes to decrease the amount the city levies for local property taxes.

“This one is much easier to grapple with than we’ve had in the last two years,” said Administrative Services Director Linda Wiggins.

A new management benefit proposal was reviewed at the meeting. Members questioned some of the proposed amendments.

The benefits include increased management vacation time, a car allowance and the development of a merit system for management staff.

Several councilmen questioned the car allowance amendment, which would allow employees to receive 36 cents per mile.

Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker asked if employees would have to show proof of insurance.

“If they put in for mileage reimbursement, they’re liable for insurance cost,” said City Attorney Margo Ely.

The council decided the proposals needed to be ranked before decisions could be reached.