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tc_court120hThe County work group reviewing the County’s Livable Wage Policy heard comments today regarding the policy, which has been in effect since 2003.

The policy calls for the County “to consider wage levels and benefits, particularly health care, provided by contractors when awarding bids or negotiating contracts, and to encourage the payment of livable wages whenever practical and reasonable.”  A recent review of the policy found that most, but not all, individuals who are employed by contractors providing services to the County are paid a livable wage—currently $11.67/hour for employees who receive employer-provided health care benefits, and $12.68 for employees who don’t.  In response to that review, the work group was formed to review whether the policy’s goals are being achieved and if either the policy or how it is executed should be modified.

About 60 people attended today’s split input session, with 21 people providing comments.  Most expressed general support of the Livable Wage policy, with some speakers characterizing it as the morally right thing to do and a practice that benefits the entire community and addresses income inequality in today’s society.  While expressing support in concept for payment of the livable wage, several representatives of non-profit organizations cautioned, however, that they face financial constraints, imposed by factors such as outside reimbursement levels, which make it difficult or impossible for them to pay a livable wage to all employees, without having to cut staff or receiving extra support from the County to fill the gap.

County Administrator Joe Mareane thanked those who attended for the insights they provided and said it will assist the work group as it continues its review.  Findings and recommendations to the full County Legislature are expected by summer.

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