Committee approves $1,000 one-time payment for city employees, adds 7% pay parity for probationary fire roles

The Budget and Public Employees Committee voted unanimously May 4 to recommend Board Bill No. 9, approving a one‑time $1,000 payment to city civil‑service employees and a 7% pay‑rate increase for several probationary fire job classifications.

Chair Aldridge said the payment will be funded from leftover FY26 balances and described the measure as an immediate way to show appreciation for city workers while a broader pay study proceeds. For the record, Brian Light, director of personnel for the City of St. Louis, told the committee the bill "in addition to the thousand dollar lump sum payment" includes the parity adjustment the charter requires between fire classifications and the police department.

The bill drew brief, supportive comments from committee members; several asked to be added as cosponsors. After committee discussion, the chair accepted a motion for a "due pass" recommendation. The clerk called the roll; the committee recorded five ayes and no noes, and the chair announced that Board Bill 9 passed and was being returned to the full board for the next steps.

The legislation as presented directs a one‑time, lump‑sum payment of $1,000 to eligible civil‑service employees and increases pay rates for probationary fire classifications and specified dispatch job classifications by 7% to maintain parity. Committee members characterized the bill as a near‑term supplement while a longer‑term pay bill (a proposed 3% across‑the‑board increase) is pursued.

The committee did not record any amendments during the session. The clerk’s roll call and the chair’s announcement completed the committee action; the measure proceeds through the regular Board of Aldermen process.