Harlingen City Commissioner Daniel Lopez said he is working on a proposal that could give about 400 city employees a one-time 5% pay increase. He said the cost would be about $845,000. Lopez made the comments at an Oct. 21 commission meeting and said he has discussed the idea with Finance Director Robert Rodriguez. The raises were not included when commissioners approved the city's new $72 million general fund budget about two months earlier.
Lopez said that if commissioners decided to continue the raises into a second year, they might have to consider raising the property tax rate. He said the increase would put pressure on the next budget to keep it going. In a statement, Lopez said he is working with City Attorney Mark Sossi to determine whether the pay adjustment is viable. He said that if it is possible, it will be brought before the commission.
Lopez also said he is asking the commission to direct the city manager to work with the human resources and finance departments on a policy. Under the proposed policy, the city would present annual cost-of-living and merit-based pay increases, subject to available funds. He said that if the policy is approved, it would apply in the next budget cycle.