MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minneapolis City Council has rejected putting a $15-an-hour minimum wage to a citywide vote.

As expected, a majority of the council on Friday voted against adding the proposal to the November ballot.

City Attorney Susan Segal had urged the council to reject the citizen petition, saying the proposal is an ordinance disguised as a charter amendment. Council member Alondra Cano argued the city has an obligation to help low-wage workers have a better standard of living.

Organizers of the effort to give Minneapolis a $15 minimum wage will announce a lawsuit on Monday.

The council did vote to direct its staff to start exploring increasing the minimum wage in Minneapolis by ordinance. The recommendations are due next year.

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