Elyria approves 3% pay increase for municipal court employees pending salary study

Summary

Following debate and a request for 5%, the finance committee approved a 3% pay increase for certain Elyria Municipal Court employees effective the first pay period of 2026; staff and council members noted a pending Gallagher salary study and discussed how the interim increase will integrate with its results.

Elyria’s finance committee voted to give certain Elyria Municipal Court employees a 3% pay increase effective the first pay period of 2026 after discussion about a pending compensation study. Clerk Eric Rothgari asked the committee to consider a 5% increase for court staff "on behalf of myself, Judge Bennett, and Judge White," citing the pending Gallagher salary study. "We're asking for 5%."

Committee members and staff debated alternatives and timing. Mr. Stewart suggested a compromise and members noted the city previously granted a 3% interim increase while awaiting a study. Finance Director Pulaski provided cost estimates: a 5% increase would cost roughly $150,000 annually for municipal court employees; a 3% increase about $90,000. "A 5% increase would be roughly...150,000 for the entire Munich Court employees. 3% would be somewhere around 90,000 per year," the finance director said.

After discussion, the committee moved and carried a 3% wage increase for certain Elyria Municipal Court employees, to be implemented in the first pay period of 2026 (committee members discussed precise pay‑period language to ensure consistent implementation).