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Duncan trustees approve 3% raises for village employees over two dissenting votes
Summary
After debate about COLA and retention, the Village of Duncan Board approved a 3% across-the-board pay increase for 2026 by a 3–2 vote; Chair Gary Schlesinger and Trustee Nick Wagoner opposed the measure.
The Village of Duncan Board on Dec. 8 approved a 3% salary increase for all village employees for 2026.
Trustees reviewed a table showing possible raises of 2–10% and noted the federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.8% for 2026. Chair Gary Schlesinger said he "did not believe in COLA raises" and described his preference for smaller or no annual increases, recalling that as a business owner he sometimes gave only small raises such as 25 cents. Trustee Van Steyn and Trustee Jerusha Ratcliffe disagreed with Schlesinger; Ratcliffe said retention concerns and comparative wages in neighboring towns supported a larger raise, noting local clerks earn at least $20 per hour in some towns.
Trustee Jerusha Ratcliffe moved and Trustee Van Steyn seconded a 3% raise for all employees. The motion passed 3–2, with Trustees Denbo, Ratcliffe and Steyn voting yes and Trustees Wagoner and Schlesinger voting no.
The raises take effect in the 2026 payroll cycle. The board did not specify an exact payroll implementation date within the minutes; the clerk will update payroll records accordingly.
