Yes, I was wondering about those contrasting issues, too--the "bleak" financial outlook of our city vs city employee pay raises.  I was astounded at the amounts of the pay raises, even if the amounts make up for the lack of pay increase for several years. How does the current pay of city employees compare to that of teachers with advanced degrees, police officers, and firefighters?  Julie makes a good point--there are qualified people who would be glad to fill these jobs at the current pay levels.  

Carol Kirstein