Vote on Management, Non-Union Raises Delayed

A vote that would freeze salaries of Ridgewood management and non-union personnel but allow for merit-based raises up to 1.9 percent was delayed Wednesday night.

As drafted, direct supervisors will write an evaluation of the subordinates, making recommendations to Village Manager Ken Gabbert. The village manager has the final word as to the increase the worker receives.

The total pool of money is between $50,00 and $60,000 and eligible staff are capped at 1.9 percent of salary, according to the introduced ordinance. Salaries are frozen but payouts will impact pension obligations.

Ridgewood's council first implemented the system last year, allowing raises of to 4 percent for management and non-union workers. A Patch analysis found the average merit increase was 2 percent.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn said Wednesday that the council had not had time to fully discuss the issue prior to a vote.

The ordinance vote has been carried to the March 13 public meeting, but the public may not get a chance to weigh in. The public hearing was closed in January.

Resident Boyd Loving took umbrage, remarking that the continuing discussion at the dais could yield new information that the public will not be able to participate in.

It's unclear if the council will re-open public comment at an upcoming meeting.