Raises for Indianapolis mayor's staff spark outcry

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INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is coming under fire from city Democrats for large raises granted to his staff as other departments are struggling to make ends meet.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/M9m6GO ) 14 staff members received raises ranging from 6 percent to more than 30 percent in May and June. The average raise was nearly 18 percent.

Recipients included support staff and several deputy mayors, who received pay hikes of more than $20,000.

Ballard spokesman Marc Lotter says the money for the raises came from vacant positions and did not increase the mayor's budget for this year or next year. He says the higher pay will keep the office competitive as an employer.

Democratic Councilwoman Angela Mansfield calls the raises "obscene" and notes departments like animal care are underfunded.