Elyria Municipal Court employees are expected to receive a 3 percent raise beginning with the first pay period of 2026 after the City Council Finance Committee approved a compromise Monday night that scaled back the court’s original request.
Clerk of Courts Eric J. Rothgery attended the meeting on behalf of himself, Judge Bennett and Judge White. Rothgery told the committee the court had initially requested a 5 percent raise for its employees. He said the raise was intended as a temporary measure until the Municipal Court completes a full compensation study with Gallagher, the consulting firm preparing to conduct a salary review of all court positions.
According to Rothgery, the court has already discussed terms with Gallagher, and the firm estimates the study will take between five and seven months once the contract is finalized. Rothgery said the court intends to follow whatever recommendations the study produces.
During discussion, multiple committee members expressed concern about approving a 5 percent raise before the salary study is complete. Finance staff estimated the annual cost of a 5 percent increase at roughly $150,000 and the cost of a 3 percent increase at about $90,000.
Rothgery said the lower amount was a fair compromise and said he was confident the judges would support it.
One member of the committee recused themself from the item due to a personal connection, and another member presided over the discussion and vote for that portion of the agenda. After additional questions about timing, the committee agreed to implement the raise beginning with the first pay period of 2026, which is the same method the city used for other recent salary adjustments.
Finance staff noted that once Gallagher completes the salary study, the interim raise will be incorporated into whatever updated pay ranges are recommended.
The committee recommended the 3 percent raise with one dissenting vote. The full Elyria City Council will consider final approval at a future meeting.