Even if contractors are required to pay a sufficient minimum wage, Howard County will still be out of reach for many lower-wage workers, one council member said.
“It?s not going to accomplish the goal of trying to help everyone who works in Howard County live in Howard County,” said Councilwoman Courtney Watson, D-District 1, referring to a so-called living wage proposal before the council.
Councilman Calvin Ball, D-District 2, introduced the bill, co-sponsored by Councilwoman Jen Terrasa, D-District 3, that would require county contractors to pay least 125 percent of the federal poverty line, or $12.41 an hour.
Watson raised concerns at this week?s public hearing, questioning whether the bill would accomplish its intent.
League of Women Voters co-President Grace Kubofcik agreed the measure wouldn?t be enough to make the county affordable for lower-wage workers.
But it?s a start, she told the council, and the league supports the move.
“It sets a standard and sends a clear message to those doing business in the county,” Kubofcik said at the hearing.
Watson also said the measure would could cost the county money at a time when funding could be tight for human services organizations.
An analysis of the bill by the council auditor found it would cost the county $101,000 in fiscal year 2008.
“I want to make sure we are using dollars as efficiently as possible,” Watson said. She said she hasn?t decided whether she will support the measure.
However, the Howard County Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill, saying wages should be set by the market place, not mandated by government.
Ball said the bill is “generally sound,” and some opponents fear government mandates.
“There are just some people who won?t agree to the sentiment,” he said.
