Camp Verde council approves wage increases for employees hired before July 1, 2024

The Camp Verde Town Council on Feb. 12, 2025 voted unanimously to approve wage increases for town employees who were employed before July 1, 2024. The council approved a request of roughly $115,000 from the general fund (including taxes) to implement a tiered cost-of-living and merit increase structure; staff estimated the annualized impact of the increases at approximately $276,000.

Town Manager Miranda Fisher told the council that when preparing the FY 2024–25 budget the town had not been in a position to provide cost-of-living or merit raises at the start of the fiscal year, and noted staff later identified a “sustainable path forward” through financial planning and cost savings. Fisher described a tiered approach under which direct-line employees would receive larger percentage increases than upper leadership; Finance Director Michael Showers answered council questions about the figures and budgeting implications.

Councilors expressed appreciation for staff cost-efficiency measures and stressed the council’s intent to prioritize revenue growth in future budgets. Councilor Wendy Escoffier suggested staff consider offering an additional day off or one-time bonuses as alternatives to recurring salary increases.

The motion to approve the wage increases was made by Councilor Robert Foreman and seconded by Vice Mayor Marie Moore. Councilor Brian Bolton recused himself from this agenda item because of a conflict of interest; the motion carried 6-0. The transcript does not specify the effective date for the increases or granular allocation by position; those details were not provided during the special session.