LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — The Las Cruces City Council is delaying the second and third steps of a three-step plan to implement a higher minimum wage in the southern New Mexico city.
Under the City Council's vote Monday, the first increase to $8.40 will take effect Jan. 1 as previously approved.
However, an increase to $9.20 is being delayed to January 2017 instead of January 2016. And an increase to $10.10 would take place in January 2019 instead of January 2017.
New Mexico's statewide minimum wage is $7.50.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports some business owners sought the delays approved by the council on a 4-3 vote.
The council also repealed a minimum wage ordinance it passed in June that would have taken the rate to $8 per hour in July 2015 and $8.50 in January 2016.