The proposal on notification of large pay raises for city and county employees is moving through the Indianapolis City-County Council.

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The council's Administration and Finance Committee passed the proposal by a majority vote Tuesday night. The proposal would require the public disclosure of any pay raises of 10-percent or higher for public employees. The proposal's sponsor, Democratic Councillor Brian Mahern, says Mayor Greg Ballard's pay raises earlier this year should have been publicized. Ballard approved raises for 15 staff members, averaging 18-percent.

Mahern says he believes the public expects transparency and this proposal would help bring that transparency. He says the mayor's raises were the catalyst for the proposal but he insists it's not a partisan issue. The notification requirement would apply not only to the mayor's office, but to all agencies within the city and county. Mahern adds, if passed, the proposal would not affect the agencies' ability to grant raises.

Opponents of the proposal say it's unnecessary and promotes micro-management. The proposal now goes to the full City-County Council for consideration. The council meets next on September 17.