ST. PAUL — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday signed a bill temporarily slicing the paychecks of more than two dozen top state administrators. But Dayton will get the last word on pay in July.

The Democratic-led Senate approved the bill by a 35-29 vote after heavy Republican criticism for a special provision that gives Dayton a single day to put new raises in place. The Republican-controlled House followed with a 108-20 vote after barely 10 minutes of consideration.

The measure erases raises Dayton gave his agency commissioners, cutting their pay between now and June 30 to a monthly maximum of $9,959. On July 1, Dayton could reinstate the raises at the same level or another rate he chooses — up to $165,000 per commissioner, which works out to $13,750 per month. But after that one day, he’ll lose his power to make unilateral pay decisions and need legislative signoff.

Dayton was mum about his plans, saying only: “Ask me on June 30th.” He also kept up his defense of raises, which he said help catch the positions up to top-level local government salaries and comparable positions in the private sector.

“I realize they are not popular but they are necessary to keep good people in government, to be able to recruit good people in government,” Dayton said.