Wake County votes unanimously to increase employee minimum wage
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Board of Commissioners in Wake County voted unanimously Monday to increase county employees' pay to $13.50.
The county said that 75 employees will see their pay increase starting next month. Officials are calling it an adoption of a living wage.
"Our action today creates the most robust living wage policy of any county in the state," said Commissioner Matt Calabria who represents District 2. "I am proud to be part of a board that values its employees and wants to make important policy changes to help improve their quality of life."
As for those affected, some will see increased of annual pay of less than $1,000 while others could see an increase of over $3,000.
"We see turnover fairly frequently among our shelter attendants, because it's historically been a low-paying job that requires a lot of hard work," said Dr. Jennifer Federico, Director of Wake County Animal Services. "A higher wage will not only help us recruit more qualified and experienced people for these positions, but it will also help us retain them, resulting in better care for our animals."
It will cost the county $93,000 annually the county said in a statement.
The board said officials will conduct and annual review of the living wage calculation in conjunction with the annual budget. Based on those findings, the living wage will be adjusted as needed.
