What I saw was that a few employees got their salaries or wages aligned at the same levels that other NC employees make for the same job. They were not raises; rather, these few employees finally got the pay they deserved or they would have bolted.

I also know a few positions that I don't think are needed, but eliminating them certainly would be just a drop in the bucket. You are also incorrect in stating that 'not a former city/county employee was hired at the top of their [sic] salary range.' That is not true, as I know personally of a few who did.