Boulder County Commissioners Propose Slower Minimum Wage Hike

UPDATE: Boulder County commissioners have just announced a new plan to slow minimum wage increases, sparking intense discussions among local business owners and workers. The proposed changes would align the county’s minimum wage with Boulder’s current rate of $16.82 per hour, set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

During a meeting held on October 10, 2023, commissioners expressed support for a revised wage schedule, which would tie future increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting in 2027. Under this plan, the minimum wage could reach approximately $18.93 by 2030, based on an expected annual CPI increase of 3%. Currently, the minimum wage in unincorporated Boulder County stands at $16.57 per hour.

Critics of the original wage schedule, which aimed for an annual increase of 8.6% until reaching $25 by 2030, have raised concerns about the impact on local businesses. The proposed ordinance comes after a public hearing where business owners voiced fears that higher labor costs would threaten their livelihoods.

Commissioners Marta Loachamin and Claire Levy voted in favor of the new ordinance, emphasizing a need for a more gradual approach. Loachamin stated, “It just provides some security to workers to know if they make a commitment to be in Boulder County that they won’t be working for less than this amount.”

Conversely, Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann dissented, advocating for a more ambitious wage plan that reflects the essential services provided by low-wage workers. “We have to stop letting down the people we call heroes of the community,” Stolzmann declared, referencing the widespread support for essential workers during the pandemic.

The revised wage plan addresses growing discontent among the community, particularly from small business owners and farmers who argue that the previous schedule’s rapid increases could hinder their operations. Last week’s public hearing highlighted these opposing viewpoints, with some arguing that workers need a living wage to thrive in the area.

As the situation unfolds, county officials are set to draft the ordinance, though a date for the first reading has not yet been established. The decision will impact not only unincorporated areas of Boulder County—such as Gunbarrel, Hygiene, and Niwot—but also the broader economic landscape as residents and business owners navigate these changes.

Stay tuned for further developments as Boulder County commissioners work towards finalizing this crucial wage ordinance.