$1,000 city pay hikes OKed

Decatur Daily Democrat:

If the State of Indiana doesn't wreak havoc with Decatur's 2012 budget, city employees will be getting raises of $1,000 each after going without increases this year and last.

Insurance changes are coming, though, with only some employees to be affected by higher costs.
City council unanimously approved the $1,000 hikes at its meeting Tuesday night, with the stipulation of "if the money is available." Mayor John Schultz, who supported the hike, said the only concern would be if the state radically reduced the city's budget for next year once that budget is submitted.

"You never know what the state, in all its infinite wisdom, will do," he said.

The $1,000 figure was suggested by Councilman Matt Dyer, who praised city department heads and employees for the way they held down costs last year. "They put us in position to do this (provide raises)," he said.