Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pay And Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council leans toward 3% COLA for staff; estimated net cost roughly $160,000 after offsets
Summary
Finance staff said a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for all employees would cost $204,000 and that identified personnel offsets could reduce the net impact to about $160,000; councilors discussed percentage vs flat‑dollar approaches and timing.
Lori told the council the gross cost of a 3% COLA would be "204,000 at 3% for everybody to get a 3%." She also said she identified roughly $83,000 of personnel reductions that would help offset that cost and bring the net increase closer to $160,000.
Councilors debated whether a flat dollar amount for lower‑paid staff would be fairer than a straight percentage and whether merit or range‑based options should be considered in future cycles. No final vote was taken; council signaled general agreement to the 3% approach for the upcoming budget while asking staff to provide final costings and distribution options.
