Monroe County employees may receive 8.5 percent raises in 2024.
County Council members were positive about the idea at budget discussions last month.
Many, including department heads and supervisors, called for the increases. They say the costs of living and goods have exceeded employees’ wages.
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Monroe County Clerk Nicole Browne says her employees are struggling to support themselves while working more for less pay.
“You must join me in wanting Monroe County government to be a desirable place to work,” Browne told the council last month. “With the cost of absolutely everything that impacts our cost of living and our quality of life rising, nothing says that better than competitive pay.”
Browne said some employees had even applied for federal assistance programs because of their inability to afford groceries.
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The council may rely on interest from federal COVID-19 relief dollars to fund the raises. Some members say they are concerned about the sustainability of that mechanism, however.
The council also is considering raises for elected county officials but postponed those discussions until its Tuesday meeting. A public hearing on the budget will be held then.
The council will take a final vote on the proposed budget Oct. 17.
