Belton City Council debates potential salary increase for mayor and council members

The Belton City Council held a work session on February 25, 2025, to discuss potential changes to the compensation structure for the mayor and council members. The meeting began with the mayor presenting a proposal to consider an ordinance that would allow for adjustments to their pay, which has not been increased since 2017.

Currently, the mayor receives an annual salary of $16,800, along with a $7,200 car allowance, totaling $24,000. Council members earn $4,800 annually, plus a $3,600 car allowance, bringing their total compensation to $8,400. The mayor highlighted that while the council has the authority to raise their pay, any changes would not take effect until the next election cycle.

The mayor provided comparative data from nearby cities to support the discussion. For instance, the mayor of Lee's Summit has a total compensation of $37,000, which is set to increase to $47,000, while Blue Springs offers $31,000 for its mayor. The mayor of Raymore earns $12,000, and Grandview's mayor receives $19,400. The mayor noted that Belton's economic development activities are more robust than those of Raymore, suggesting that a higher compensation might be justified.

During the discussion, council member feedback varied. One council member expressed strong opposition to any pay increase for the council, arguing that their current compensation is generous and that raising salaries while asking residents to approve a tax increase for the fire department would reflect poorly on the council. This member emphasized their commitment to public service rather than financial gain.

Another council member supported the idea of reviewing the mayor's compensation due to the increased responsibilities and time commitment associated with the role. They acknowledged that the city has changed significantly over the past decade and that a fair assessment of compensation is warranted.

The meeting concluded without a definitive decision, but it set the stage for further discussions on the matter. The council plans to continue evaluating the proposal and its implications for both the council members and the residents of Belton.