The initiative would raise the minimum wage from the current $7.25 an hour to $8.75 on Jan. 1, 2016 and to $10.25 on Jan. 1, 2017. The minimum wage of $3.35 for workers who get tips would rise to $6.56 in 2016 and $7.68 in 2017.

Under state law, the McCall city council has the option of passing the initiative itself. But the council decided to put it to a vote of the people.

"This is a democracy," said McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon. The mayor also said the council has not officially taken a stand one way or another on the ballot initiative.

Business owners and residents we talked to were uncomfortable talking about the proposal on camera.

But the opposition is making its option known through ads in the local paper saying it would cause "a catastrophic rise in cost of living."

If it becomes law, the city will be tasked with enforcement. But Mayor Aymon downplays the impact. "I don't think it will be a big issue. A lot of our employers pay a good wage anyway," she said. kboi2news

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