Ashland Council Approves Pay Raise as Protesters Rally Against City Spending

ASHLAND, Ore. — Amidst the ‘Take Back Ashland’ protest outside of the City Council Chambers in Ashland, the City of Ashland pursued its council meeting on Tuesday afternoon and approved the city management’s proposal for a salary increase.

Protesters connected to the newly formed coalition group named ‘Take Back Ashland’ held a protest outside of the council chambers over proposed salary increases and cuts to community service.

Protesters, who feel that the spending is not sustainable and the council hasn’t responded to their concerns, arrived shortly before 5:00 p.m.- an hour before the city council meeting.

Protesters lined up on the sidewalk holding signs and, in some cases, playing instruments while passing cars honked in support.

Despite the protest and a 3–3 tie, the motion passed after the tie was broken by Mayor Tonya Graham, who cast the deciding vote.