State minimum wage to increase in January

Pennies are sometimes looked at as meaningless currency. However, when it comes to a minimum wage increase, pennies add up. Maricopa businesses that pay the state minimum wage will have to reach down into their pockets and dish out an additional 30 cents an hour starting Jan. 1 when the state increases the wage to $7.65 per hour.

The consumer price index, showing an increase in cost of living of 3.8 percent since August of this year, caused the Arizona Industrial Commission to increase the wage. The consumer price index data is the basis for an increase that was accepted by voters back in 2006.

In Maricopa, the news has yielded surprising results. It appears few businesses pay their employees minimum wage, opting for loyalty in return for pay. Other businesses believe it’s better to share the wealth and success of the business through rewarding employees with a higher starting wage rather than risk employee unhappiness.

“It’s kind of a double-edge sword, and the economic impact this increase will have should be minimal,” said Steve Durkee, marketing director for the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce. “The perception for those making minimum wage as opposed to those who are not is the challenge.”

Durkee said retail stores like Walmart pay minimum wage in Maricopa but more owner-operated stores do not. Inquiries to the local Walmart, Bashes’, Fry’s and Arby’s were referred to the stores’ corporate offices. The corporate offices did not respond.

Mike Richey, owner of Maricopa Ace Hardware, said Ace pays its employees more than minimum wage and knows there are positives and negatives to a wage increase.

“As in all cases when things like minimum wage go up there’s a good side, bad side for businesses and employees,” Richey said. “Employees benefit because they have a little more money in their pocket, and in some cases businesses may not benefit because of cost concerns.”