City Board discusses pay raises for police and all city employees

The St. Louis City Council meeting on February 5, 2025, focused on proposed pay raises for city employees, a matter deemed long overdue by council members. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for salary adjustments, as many city employees have been without contracts since June of the previous year.

During the meeting, council members considered Board Bill 173, which outlines a pay increase of 3% for city employees and a 7% raise for police and fire personnel. However, the budget director, Paul Paine, clarified that the pay structure would undergo significant changes. The current 30-step pay matrix for police and fire employees will be collapsed into a 20-step matrix. This adjustment means that some employees in the higher steps may receive less than the stated 7% increase, with raises ranging from 2% to 5% for those affected by the conversion.

Deputy Director of Personnel, John Understell, who participated in the negotiations with unions, confirmed the proposed increases and emphasized the importance of addressing the pay concerns of city workers. The council's discussions reflect a commitment to improving compensation for public employees, signaling a step towards better financial recognition of their contributions to the city.

As the council continues to deliberate on these changes, the implications for the city budget and the morale of public employees remain critical points of consideration. The meeting underscored the necessity for timely communication regarding pay adjustments and the overall welfare of city staff.