Monterey Finance Committee Discusses Raises For Employees

The Monterey Finance Committee proposing employee raises that would add $300,000 to the town’s payroll.

Committee members Thursday continued work on its next fiscal year budget. Committee Chair Nathan Walker said the town needs to retain the workers it currently has.

“So we are in one of those situations to where we normally just do three percent four percent, which traditionally has been good,” Walker said. “But now, I think that we’re in that situation to remain competitive.”

The proposed pay scale would significantly increase hourly wages and salaries across the board. Several positions would receive several dollar raises on the hour. Walker said hiring struggles, inflation and employee appreciation all played roles.

“We do have to take that into account at what we’re looking at as far as where do we want to position ourselves to keep especially our department heads,” Walker said.

Certified Municipal Finance Officer Ella Dishman said a preliminary budget draft including the propose raises should come back for committee approval at the next meeting in two weeks.

“This is a significant move,” Walker said.

Dishman said the town’s tax base is healthy enough to make the raise proposal happen.