After a year long discussion, Rochester City Council members made their final decision about raises Thursday, during a special budget meeting at city hall.

Council members approved a two dollar raise across the board for full-time hourly employees, raising the starting wage for new hires from $14 to $16.  Part-time employees will receive a one dollar raise.

Rochester Clerk-Treasurer Shona Beehler spoke with Mayor Ted Denton and council members during the meeting about park employees being exempt from the raise. 

With a national labor shortage and competetive hiring at a peak right now council members hope the change will help retain employment. With hopes to keep longterm employees, the council will revisit a possible longevitity package at a later date, closer to the budget deadline.