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MANATEE COUNTY — $15

That’s what bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, and maintenance employees are going to be paid in Manatee County.

The county’s school board signed off on a new contract with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees to increase starting pay to at least $15 an hour.

According to the Bradenton Herald, employees who have been negotiating for higher pay are glad to get the increase; some employees started at $11.61

Employees who are recent hires and longtime employees will also have their pay increased to the 15 dollar minimum.

The pay increase goes into effect July 1st.