Kira Erickson reports from a special meeting of the Langley City Council with the city’s Finance & Personnel Commission on Nov. 28, 2022.
During a special meeting of the Langley City Council and the citizen-led Finance and Personnel Commission this week, the majority of the council approved a 7% cost-of-living adjustment. They also agreed on an additional increase based on merit, which will depend on the evaluation of each employee – the average is predicted to be 3%.
They Said It
…the mayor advocated for a proposed increase totaling 10%.
“It is maybe not as conservative in some ways, but if you consider the cost of replacing employees after they leave, I think it’s probably a good investment,” [Mayor Scott] Chaplin said.
Councilmember Thomas Gill agreed that the overworked staff definitely deserves the cost-of-living adjustment. He advised that increases based on merit should not be guaranteed but still budgeted for.
Councilmember Harolynne Bobis was also in support of the pay raise, which she felt was needed after a minimal cost-of-living adjustment was approved last year.
Keeping an eye on the budget, Councilmember Gail Fleming sought guidance from the city’s Finance and Personnel Commission about whether or not the pay raises can be afforded. She also suggested that the city should wait until hiring its new finance director to make the decision.
Similarly, Councilmember Rhonda Salerno questioned if there was a scientific or a data basis for the proposed rate and worried about setting a precedent.
Councilmember Craig Cyr said he didn’t see it as a concept of precedent, since negotiations differ each year. He commented that while it’s easy for the council to compliment the staff on the hard work they’ve done, increasing their pay is a tangible way to show that appreciation.
