Nogales council sets starting salary for city clerk at $50,000 after debate on equity and comparables

The Mayor and City Council of Nogales voted Wednesday to set the starting salary for the city clerk at $50,000, following extended discussion about comparability with other Arizona cities and the need for consistent hiring practices. Mayor Maldonado moved to set the starting salary at $50,000; the motion carried.

Council members said the decision matters because the city clerk's pay had not been updated in decades and ranges cited from third-party sites and internal payroll data varied widely. "I'd like to suggest a salary of $50,000," Mayor Maldonado said when making the motion. Councilwoman Monter urged consistent treatment of employees, saying the council "need[s] to have some consistency across the board regardless if you're at will or not." Mr. Kramer, identified in the meeting as the city manager, explained the matter had been discussed in executive session and needed public ratification: "This position doesn't fall…