Burlington police Sgt. Dwayne Mellis was the highest paid employee on the city’s payroll in FY24, taking home $190,918 in total earnings last year, $84,803, or 44%, of which came from overtime pay.

Vandenberg, 19, was a lifeguard at the West Burlington pool last year for about $8 per hour. She was asked to take on a managerial role this season after a former manager quit just before opening day.