Budget Surplus and Big Raises in Johnson

The City of Johnson adopted the 2009 budget this week. It anticipates a surplus this year of $150,000 and projects a $200,000 surplus for next year -- and that is after approving a big raise for all city employees. Mayor Lonnie Barron said the 2009 budget is frugal, but he believes a 6% increase in city worker's pay is needed.

Bentonville city employees are scheduled to get a 5.8% cost-of-living raise next year. Rogers is promising a 5% raise for employees making above $41,600 and a $2,080 raise for city workers making less than that.