Harlingen passes policy on employee raises in heated meeting

Harlingen City Hall is seen in this undated photo. Earlier this week, city commissioners entered into an agreement with United Health Care after the national insurance giant boosted its rates 4.9 percent. (Valley Morning Star Photo) HARLINGEN — After the new $72 million general fund budget left them short of raises, about 400 City Hall employees might be getting pay increases — but not this year. In a heated meeting, commissioners narrowly passed a policy calling on officials to consider giving employees cost-of-living and merit raises “subject to annual appropriation.” When a tense debate led to a fiery exchange, Mayor Norma Sepulveda and Commissioners Delia Cavazos-Gamez and Frank Morales traded barbs, some turning personal. “I think our employees deserve a commitment from this commission that come budget time we’re going to ensure that whatever these results are that are presented to us, that we’re going to take care of them,” Sepulveda told commissioners, referring to a study aimed