City Council debates new proposal to raise council compensation in upcoming election

The City Council of Longmont convened for a study session on July 1, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including council compensation and recent decisions regarding city operations.

The meeting began with a discussion on a proposal that was met with mixed reactions. Councilor McLean expressed concerns about the short notice for the proposal, indicating that it may not allow adequate time for public engagement. Despite these concerns, the proposal passed with a vote of 6-1, with Councilor McCoy opposing it.

Following this, Councilor Christ brought up the topic of council compensation, referencing a previous conversation about raising salaries for council members. He requested that staff find a place on the agenda to present a plan for this increase, noting that it might require a ballot measure for voter approval. Councilor Rodrigues pointed out that the council had already approved a compensation increase in April, which would take effect with the upcoming election. This raised questions among council members about the necessity of another proposal so soon after the previous decision.

Councilor Popkin sought clarification on the motivation behind Councilor Christ's request, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rationale for revisiting the issue of compensation. Councilor Christ responded that he had taken time to consider the matter and had received feedback from the public, which influenced his decision to pursue further discussions on the topic.

The meeting concluded without a formal motion to place the compensation proposal on the ballot, highlighting the ongoing debate among council members regarding the timing and necessity of such a measure. The council's next steps will involve further discussions and potential planning for future agenda items related to compensation.