During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the recommendations made by two different magistrates regarding salary increases for various employee groups. One magistrate recommended a 4% increase for food service employees, while another suggested a 2.5% increase for a different group. The variance in recommendations was attributed to the distinct circumstances and revenue sources associated with the food service sector.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing clerical impasse, where parties opted to bypass a magistrate's recommendation and present their case directly to the board. Additionally, the current night shift differential for facilities workers, which stands at 35 cents, is proposed to increase to 75 cents.

Board members were informed that adhering to the magistrate's recommendations would incur an estimated cost of approximately $11.8 million. The board was reminded that the magistrates had thoroughly reviewed evidence and heard testimonies before making their recommendations, emphasizing the necessity of base salary increases for employees.

Concerns were raised about the disparity in salary adjustments across different employee classifications, with a call for the board to prioritize funding for those at the lower end of the salary scale. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by employees, particularly in light of rising living costs, and underscored the importance of ensuring fair compensation to support their families. The board was urged to consider the unique circumstances of each employee group rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to salary increases.