Grosse Ile board approves 2.5% market adjustment for nonunion staff, splits two manager raises and sets placeholders for fire hires

GROSSE ILE, Mich. — The Grosse Ile Township Board on March 12 voted to include a 2.5% market adjustment for full‑time nonunion employees in the proposed fiscal budget, approved two $5,000 salary adjustments for department managers, and set budgetary placeholders for fire department administration as the township continues work on longer‑term pay scales and pension obligations.

The board approved the 2.5% nonunion “market adjustment” after discussion of pension costs and capital needs. Theresa McLaughlin, the township finance director, told trustees the 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment was already in the proposed budget; she said there are 14 full‑time nonunion positions covered by that line. Trustee Bill expressed concern that legacy costs — including major capital projects such as bridge and water work — and rising pension contributions made committing to raises now risky. One trustee voted no; the motion otherwise passed.

The board also considered a proposed $10,000 increase for the downtown development authority (DDA) manager who also covers community development work. Trustees amended the…