MCE raises salaries while debating rate cuts

As the public not-for-profit energy agency MCE continues to discuss cutting electricity rates, the chief executive officer has authorized promotions, raises and benefit increases that lock in a double-digit spike in personnel costs for its next fiscal year.

The company’s fiscal year starts on April 1. But Dawn Weisz authorized the promotions and raises as of Jan. 1, MCE officials disclosed Feb. 11 during a budget workshop for MCE’s directors.

Weisz and her management team defended the increase during the workshop and afterward...