First phase of new Johnson County minimum wage law takes effect Sunday

IOWA CITY - The first phase of Johnson County's new minimum wage takes effect Sunday, raising the local minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.20.

Six months later on May 1, 2016, the wage increases to $9.15 and on January 1, 2017 the minimum wage will reach $10.10.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance earlier this year, with all the cities in the county left with the option to follow the new rule or pass a counter ordinance that either sets a different wage - none have done so - or sticks with the state requirement - a handful of smaller cities have gone this route.

The ordinance affects all businesses within the county as well as employees who work within the county.

So far, the city councils of Shueyville, Solon and Swisher have passed counter ordinances to stick with the state rate.

The Tiffin City Council still is determining what action they will take on the ordinance.

Councils in the county's largest cities - Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty - will let the wage's first increase ride, but it appears some of those councils will continue to discuss the matter.

Following the increase to $10.10, a community committee will review the Consumer Price Index to determine if future wage increases are necessary. Those recommendations will be made to the full board for review.

The main question for most in the county hangs on the legality of the ordinance.

Basically, if challenged in court, will the county's attempt to raise the minimum wage survive?

Ultimately, a judge will make that call.