ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — St. Clairsville City Council remains at an impasse over a proposed 3% wage increase for non-elected, nonunion city employees after a special meeting ended without a resolution Thursday night.
The meeting was held to revisit a proposed ordinance that would provide the cost-of-living pay increase. However, council members first had to vote on whether to remove the measure from the table, where it had been left during a previous meeting.
That motion failed in a 4-3 vote, leaving the ordinance tabled and preventing further action on the proposed raise.
Council members Mike Kasper, Kristi Lipscomb and Lucien Murzyn voted in favor of bringing the ordinance back for discussion. Mike Smith, JC Thrash, Don Vincenzo and Audrey Brahler voted against the motion, keeping the proposal on hold.
Although council reached agreement on the city’s employee pay scale, members remained divided over whether wages should increase at this time.
Supporters of the proposal say the 3% increase would help the city remain competitive in attracting and retaining employees while also serving as a cost-of-living adjustment. Opponents have continued to question the financial impact on the city’s budget and whether now is the appropriate time to approve higher wages.
During the meeting, Councilwoman Audrey Brahler expressed concerns about how larger increases could affect the city’s overall pay structure and the gap between the lowest- and highest-paid employees.
Councilman Mike Kasper has maintained that city employees deserve a clear decision after waiting months for council to act on the proposal. Mayor Kathryn Thalman has previously voiced support for the increase, saying the adjustment would improve employee morale and help retain the city’s workforce.
With no action taken during Thursday’s special meeting, the proposed 3% wage increase remains tabled. The issue is expected to return for discussion at a future St. Clairsville City Council meeting.
