Most city employees of Langley may be getting a small pay raise in the new year.

At a city council meeting Monday night, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance for the 2022 budget, which allows for a 2% cost-of-living adjustment.

A few months ago, the council was pondering salary increases but ultimately decided against a 6% increase in wages for city employees. Finance Director Monica Felici pointed out at the time that the city’s general fund could not afford the 6% jump.

But now, after some adjustment in the budget, a 2% increase was proposed instead. Felici said the various city department directors “did a deep dive” and “a lot of cutting of the budget.”

There are some exceptions to the increase. The mayor’s salary is staying at the same rate and will not be affected. The city’s two police officers are under contract to receive a 6.3% increase in wages.

The 2% increase also does not apply to the stipends that council members receive.

The cost-of-living adjustment will cost the city of Langley a total of $63,344.