Public encouraged to attend Johnson County minimum wage hearing tonight

IOWA CITY - Members of the public are encouraged to weigh in tonight on Johnson County's proposed minimum wage ordinance, which would bring the standard minimum wage within county borders up to $10.10 per hour by 2017.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors will host the public input session from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight in Room 203 of the Health and Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque St. The hope is to gain public perspective on the proposed ordinance, which would boost the state's $7.25 hourly minimum by 95 cents in each of the next three years, beginning in November.

A few state officials have said a countywide minimum wage ordinance would be unlawful, while others have argued the opposite. The County Attorney's Office is still exploring the legality of such an ordinance.

During the public input session, each speaker will be asked to limit comments to three minutes or less, direct all comments to the board, try not to restate comments already made and express views in a respectful manner while refraining from applause or boos.