The Greeley Tribune: For the first time in recent memory, the Greeley City Council voted on raises for the city manager and city attorney in a public meeting.

Raises for each position appeared on the consent agenda at Tuesday’s city council meeting. The raises didn’t feature public discussion, but it was a change from the longstanding process in which the council approved raises in executive session outside of the public view.

A second vote is required for the raises to take effect, and that vote is scheduled for April 3.

The city council approved a 5 percent raise for City Manager Roy Otto, boosting Otto’s pay to $217,224 — a $12,377 increase per year.

The council also approved a 4 percent raise for City Attorney Doug Marek, who now will earn $194,376 per year, an $8,870 per year increase.

In the past, raises for the city manager, city attorney and municipal court judge came via executive sessions, despite Colorado open meetings rules prohibiting decisions during those closed-to-the-public meetings.

The Greeley City Council changed its process following questions from The Tribune, although city officials defended the past practice by saying the council had approved salary ranges for all positions during the budget process.

Visit The Greeley Tribune for more.