Lawrence council debates 3% raise versus one‑time bonus as officials review 2026 salary ordinance

The Lawrence Common Council’s Committee of the Whole on Oct. 23 discussed Proposal No. 10, an ordinance fixing salaries of appointed officers and employees of the city for 2026, focusing on whether to approve a 3% pay increase for civilian employees or instead give a one‑time bonus in 2025.

Councilor Chavis asked members to “double check that with a fine tooth comb,” noting employees and councilors had questions about the dollar impact of a 3% increase. The controller told the council a spreadsheet showing a 3% increase for civilian employees was sent shortly before the meeting and that the total was “in the ballpark of a 142,000 and some change.”

Tim Berry, municipal adviser for Crow, told the council that Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF) contributions for civil employees are calculated on all earnings for a…