Inflation is squeezing everyone's budgets. The current state of the economy is affecting local townships in multiple ways. Apart from the rising cost of materials, Lakewood is competing with townships across the state to hire employees. And having a hard time with it. 

Responding to a comment from the public on the recently adopted minimum/maximum salary ordinance at the last meeting, Mayor Ray Coles noted “Over the last year or two we have had a serious issue retaining valuable employees because we could not compensate them.” As the mayor explained, the employees were leaving for jobs in other towns. 

At the beginning of a new year, municipalities across the state pass a minimum/maximum salary range ordinance to establish foreseeable expenses. Coles explained that the minimums and maximums have been raised to remain competitive in the market.