Happy pay raise: Minimum wage increases

Two local business owners say they plan to keep their prices the same even though the state’s minimum wage is increasing today.

Local grocer Henry Nemenz said he expects to avoid price increases by having workers be more productive as the minimum wage is increased from $7 to $7.30 an hour.

In some cases, workers’ hours will be reduced, but mostly, workers at Nemenz’ IGA and Save-A-Lot stores will be asked to accomplish more, he said.

The annual wage increase is easier to handle this year because store revenues are up, perhaps because people are eating out less often, Nemenz said.

Jim Paxos, owner of the Mocha House in Boardman, said he will just have to deal with the increased costs.

“It’s just something we have to cope with,” he said.

Business owners are growing used to wages going up automatically each year since Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2006. The minimum wage is increased each year to cover inflation.

This year’s increase amounts to 4.3 percent. Restaurant servers and others who make tips will see their base pay go from $3.50 an hour to $3.65.

Read more in Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com