In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the proposed adjustments to the mayor's salary and council benefits, with a focus on aligning compensation with current market standards. HR Director Catherine Laird presented the recommendations, highlighting that the mayor's salary, currently set at $145,000, has not seen an increase since 2020. The council is considering raising the mayor's salary to $170,000, effective July 16, 2024, rather than retroactively to January 1, 2024, as previously discussed.

Laird emphasized the importance of this adjustment, noting that it reflects the council's commitment to fair compensation and aligns with the anticipated cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) planned for January 1, 2025. The council's discussions indicated broad support for the salary increase, with six members expressing approval for the proposed amount. However, some council members raised concerns about the monitoring of future COLA increases, which will require council approval as part of a new pay plan.

Additionally, the meeting addressed potential changes to council benefits, which are also slated for 2024. Laird assured that these changes are manageable for staff and necessary for council members. The council is expected to finalize these discussions in the coming sessions, ensuring that both the mayor's salary and council benefits are appropriately updated to reflect current economic conditions.