Raises Approved for Mayor, Non-Union Workers

City Council Approves Raises; Forgoes Raise for Itself

– Allison Goldsberry

On Tuesday night the Medford City Council approved raises for the Mayor and non-union employees but voted against a raise for itself.

The raises are retroactive and also apply to this year. According to City Budget Director Stephanie Muccini Burke many of the non-union employees, who include city department heads, haven’t had raises since 2009. The total cost of the raises is around $150,000.

After a discussion about showing fiscal responsibility in a tough economy, especially when so many people still remain out of work, the Council decided to forgo its own raise in a symbolic gesture. Councilors moved to separate the approval of their raise as well as the Mayor’s. However, despite the maneuver the Mayor’s raise was approved while councilors rejected a raise for themselves.

Muccini Burke said the raises for non-union personnel were in line with what union employees have received over the years.