ATTLEBORO - What one councilor described as a "civil war in city government" seems destined to continue when the mayor's new pay plan hits the floor of the full city council next week.

Problems with the plan that's facing stiff opposition from at least three councilors went unresolved in a six-member committee which, after a two hour debate and some questionable votes, decided to send the matter to the full 11-member council for a decision.

Most members agree swift action is needed because problems are beginning to boil over, not only on the council floor, but in the offices of city hall.

"We basically have a civil war in city government," Councilor John Davis said. "The worst thing we can do is do nothing."

The mood in offices isn't good, officials said. Some of the workers believe some higher-level employees are getting raises that are too big. "It's created an uncomfortable feeling around here," said one employee who supports the plan. "It's too bad. I personally think the plan is fair."

Another employee said the controversy is affecting productivity.

"There isn't much work getting done," the employee said Wednesday.

When all was said and done Tuesday, nothing was done except move the debate to the larger panel.

And that doesn't bode well for next week's session, said Councilor Brian Kirby, a supporter of the mayor's plan and chairman of the committee handling the matter.

"I expect the same debate regarding amendments to occur in front of the full council," said Kirby, who expects to win in a battle. "I think the result will be different, but I don't think it will be short."

Kirby said the issue has become tense and difficult because councilors put faces and names to positions, which is exactly what they are not supposed to do.

"That's what makes it really emotional," he said in explaining the rifts.

Eight votes are needed to pass the mayor's plan, which creates new grades and steps for non-union and salaried employees, but those eight votes are not assured.

At least four councilors said they had problems with the plan or the process Tuesday. Kirby, however, said he believes full council debate will change the momentum because all councilors will have a voice and vote.

The fight Tuesday revolved around just three positions out of dozens set for changes.

Councilor Bill Bowles pushed to amend the grades for the jobs of mayor's assistant, auditor and director of budget and administration. He wants them each to be reduced one grade. He was supported by Davis and Councilor George Ross.

That move was opposed by council President Barry LaCasse, council Vice President Robert Schoch, Kirby and others who argued the plan, which is based on a study by a private consultant, is fair.

Tinkering could disrupt a delicate balance it took months to achieve. And, they argue, nobody is going to like all aspects of any plan that's considered.

Personnel consultant Jan Silverman said the jobs Bowles wants to downgrade should actually be upgraded and argued, as a result, a compromise has already been reached. As a whole, the plan is fair, she said.

"As an entire scheme for the city, it works very well," Silverman said. "I'd be very hesitant to start picking at this position or that position because it will have repercussions elsewhere."

The matter has been controversial since members of the clerks union charged they were shortchanged in their new pay plan, which was negotiated with the administration and was based on the non-union plan now under consideration.

If approved, the plan will cost the city $113,000 this fiscal year and about twice that amount next fiscal year.

GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.