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Council approves raises for many city workers after heated debate on levy and exemptions
Summary
The council approved wage increases for general city employees as part of omnibus budget amendments, triggering extended debate about whether raises should be larger and how to shift compensation toward nonexempt workers. Arguments focused on fairness, long-term levy impact and shifting dollars away from exempt/executive pay.
The Common Council debated employee compensation at length while considering omnibus amendments tied to the 2026 budget. Supporters argued modest pay increases would help retain frontline workers who provide city services; opponents warned that larger raises would increase the property-tax levy and create future budget pressure.
Alderman Brower urged colleagues to recognize the link…
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