“It is fair to give businesses a reasonable grace period to adjust to the new minimum wage rate,” the mayor said in a statement. “We will spend the coming week talking to local business leaders to prepare to implement the increase.”

Supporters rallied in celebration at City Hall.

Betty Douglas, who has worked at McDonald’s for 10 years and earns $7.90 an hour, said the decision will make things easier on her and her 16-year-old son.

“As of today, I will be making $10,” she said. “I’ll be making $20 more dollars a day, $100 more a week and $200 (more) a pay period.”

Dennis Shaw, 35, has been working at Culinaria for nearly two years. Shaw said a hike in his wages will allow him to do things he couldn’t do before, such as finish college and, in the future, put money down on a new home.

“I love my job, I love my store, but I can tell you, I love making a proper wage so much more,” he said.

Pierce Powers and his wife, Lona, owners of Lona’s LiL Eats, also attended the rally.

“I want to speak as a businessperson and really calm the nerves of other businesspeople,” he said.