The City Council on Tuesday night voted 6-3 against the idea of including 54 city employees who are 'maxed out" on the city pay plan in the recent three percent "across the board" pay increase.
Voting in favor were Andrae McGary, Russell Gilbert and Carol Berz.
The measure would have cost the city $70,000.
Council members said they had been under the impression that all civilian city employees were included in the three percent raise. Mayor Ron Littlefield said often in the past those who have reached the top of their current pay level are not included in raises.
Councilwoman Sally Robinson said the action for the 54 employees would still leave some categories of city workers without a three percent increase.
Councilman Gilbert said he was especially concerened about employees in general services.
Councilman McGary said the city had been able to "find" other funds, including $250,000 that was approved Tuesday night for a new home for the Chattanooga History Center. Administration officials said that gift had been approved much earlier and it was an "error" that it had not been voted on earlier.
Councilwoman Pam Ladd was strongly against the proposal, saying it would "totally violate the pay plan. You might as well not have a plan."