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At 3 percent, according to budget discussions, raises would take up approximately $185,000 of additional city revenue, plus related retirement, FICA and other personnel expenses.
Citizens, many of whom will be helping to foot the budget bill through taxes, have expressed their opinions on the matter in several ways.
Two unscientific DAILY LEADER online polls in recent weeks revealed that almost 77 percent questioned the prudence of considering pay raises during these difficult economic times. And last week, more than 60 percent doubted whether aldermen had their priorities in order when it comes to city taxpayers or city employees.
Furthermore, during last week's public hearing on the budget, around 15 people - some no doubt stirred by the pay raise talk - showed up to give their thoughts and ideas. That is a considerable number given that budget public hearings usually attract no one from the general public.
Tough economic times dictate that tough choices must be made.
Early in the budget process, aldermen acted wisely to set up a plan to reduce this year and eventually eliminate the city's cost on employees' dependent insurance coverage. Employees and officials will continue to have their individual insurance paid by the city.
City leaders must again demonstrate leadership qualities on the issue of pay raises. As noted during the budget hearing, Natchez aldermen showed leadership recently by approving a 10 percent reduction in their salaries.
The salary issue is not the lone item in the budget and is not solely about whether aldermen should be included in pay raise plans.
But the issue does affect to a large extent on how much the city will be able to spend elsewhere.
It appears taxpayers have voiced a strong opinion. City leaders now have to make a choice and move on to other areas of the budget that need their attention.
