The Marysville City Council on voice vote approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for all city employees, the finance committee’s recommendation, after brief debate about how best to measure pay changes.

City Administrator Josh told the council the committee recommended the 3% figure after reviewing the 2025 Social Security COLA and that the amount had been accounted for in the existing budget. "We proposed to City Council a 3% COLA raise for all city employees," Josh said during the meeting.

At least one councilmember questioned whether a straight percentage is the best way to boost pay, arguing a flat-dollar increase can affect lower-paid workers differently than higher-paid workers. "I'm not a big fan of percentage raises," an unidentified councilmember said, noting that workers at different pay levels experience cost-of-living changes differently.

Councilmembers and staff agreed to keep the question under review during the next budget cycle while approving the committee's recommendation for the current year. The motion to adopt the 3% COLA was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The adjustment will take effect consistent with city payroll rules; council did not identify additional funding outside the existing budget to cover the increase. Council members said staff will continue to evaluate other approaches to pay adjustments in coming budget work sessions.

The council also addressed several other routine items during the meeting and recessed to Dec. 30.