Chesterton’s Utility Service Board is planning again to make a contribution to the town budget that would provide funds toward a pay raise for all town employees.

The board at its meeting Monday recommended that $970,000 be transferred to the town budget, up from $753,000 last year.

Nothing has been finalized, but the amount would allow the town to give an additional 2% and $1 per hour raise for town employees. Chesterton had tentatively figured a 2% pay raise for its 104 employees in its 2026 budget.

Board Chairman Larry Brandt said that Chesterton needs to value its employees as an asset and pay them a decent wage.

“It’s a moral imperative, I’m telling you. It’s a moral imperative,” Brandt said.

The Utility Board in 2021 made its first contribution to the town budget, which helped f

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