Employees and elected officials in Columbus are on track to receive a two-percent cost of living adjustment for next year. The first reading of a pair of ordinances took place during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The first ordinance, dealing only with city employees, passed unanimously. The second ordinance, dealing with a proposed increase for the mayor, clerk-treasurer and members of the city council, was a little more animated.

Noting the need to keep parity with communities of similar sizes, Councilman Tim Shuffett agreed that the mayor and clerk-treasurer salaries need to keep pace with city employee increases. However, he was against increasing compensation for members of the city council. Shuffett cited a study currently underway to make sure that city employees’ jobs are properly classified and compensated. Results of that study are expected by December and Shuffett says that he would be more comfortable waiting for that report before approving any raise for that body. Councilwoman Laurie Booher agreed, noting that everyone on the council knew what the pay was before they ran for office. Councilman Frank Jerome questioned Shuffett’s proposed amendment, saying that the increase would only amount to approximately $150 per year, per member.

In the end, both the amendment and the overall proposal were approved on a vote of 5 to 2. Jerome and Councilman Frank Miller were the “no” votes. The second reading of these ordinances are scheduled for Sept. 19th.