According to a report in the Muncie Star Press, Mayor Dan Ridenour of Muncie has authorized a 10% pay increase for the city’s civilian municipal employees, despite ongoing contract negotiations with their union. The raise, effective this month, aligns with the percentage increases previously granted to police and firefighters before last year’s city election.

The mayor assured the city could fund the raises through economic development strategies that bypass tax increment financing, thereby boosting the general fund and local school funding. Ridenour maintained that the pay increases were intended to aid recruitment for public safety roles. The civilian employee raises, costing between $200,000 and $300,000 annually, will only affect full-time workers and exclude elected officials. 

Ridenour explained that he implemented the raise because “they deserve it,” even though an overall contract agreement has yet to be reached with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3656. Negotiations for a new contract began last year and remain unresolved. The mayor declined to specify the sticking points in the discussions, and union president Nate Burgess did not respond to requests for comment.

The decision was highlighted at the May 6 city council meeting when Council member Nora Powell inquired about the raises with City Controller Craig Wright, who confirmed the increase began on May 3. Powell, concerned about adherence to the city’s salary ordinance passed in December, questioned the legality of the move. Wright assured that an amendment to the salary ordinance is scheduled for the June 3 council meeting.

Powell acknowledged the legitimacy of the employees’ raises but criticized the procedural oversight, urging adherence to proper channels. She highlighted Ridenour’s previous council experience, suggesting he should be familiar with correct procedures.

The mayor defended his actions, citing Indiana statute, which allows city executives to allocate funds outside the salary ordinance if amendments are made within the spending year. Ridenour emphasized that the pay hike was necessary due to stalled contract negotiations and broader issues at play beyond salary.

The timing of the raises drew attention, echoing last year’s pre-election pay boosts for police and firefighters, which led to speculations of political maneuvering. Former council president and Ridenour’s opponent in the November election, Jeff Robinson, noted the raises coincided with union endorsements of Ridenour.

Contract negotiations with AFSCME 3656 are slated to continue on June 12.