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Council amends alderman and mayor compensation ordinance on first reading; sets new rates and 2% annual escalator
Summary
After extended debate the council amended a proposed ordinance on Feb. 3 to set alderman annual compensation at $5,720 with a $50 monthly expense allowance and the mayor at $10,285 with a $250 monthly expense allowance, plus a 2% annual increase; the amended motion passed first reading and will return for a second reading.
The West Bend Common Council on Feb. 3 debated and amended a proposed ordinance to repeal and replace municipal code section 2.11 (salaries and expense allowances for aldermen and the mayor).
Alderman Allen proposed and then accepted a friendly amendment establishing annual alderman compensation at $5,720 with a $50 monthly expense allowance ($600/year) and the mayoral salary at $10,285 with a $250 monthly expense allowance ($3,000/year). The ordinance also includes a 2% annual escalator, with the amended language setting commencement of the new schedule on May 1, 2027 and the first 2% step on May 1, 2028 and thereafter annually.
Council members debated multiple approaches, including a staff comparison of peer municipalities and alternate proposals that would have raised compensation by larger amounts (discussed figures included a 35% or a 70% increase based on different baselines). Proponents said a moderate increase and an escalator would prevent the council from revisiting the issue repeatedly; opponents described concerns about optics and comparability with staff and union adjustments. Several members emphasized public service motivations and that current officeholders may not personally benefit unless re‑elected.
Alderman Allen moved the amended proposal; after the vote the mayor read back the approved numbers. The council approved the amended motion on first reading by voice vote (no recorded opposition was noted in the transcript). The ordinance will return for a second reading with written ordinance language reflecting the amended figures.
Staff and council discussed procedural details: staff confirmed an escalator clause is permissible provided a fixed percentage is specified and that any change must be in place prior to the relevant election period so it cannot be altered mid‑term. Staff also noted the council could, with a two‑thirds vote, suspend the rules for immediate adoption, but the council opted to lay the ordinance over to the next meeting (second reading) so the written ordinance text can be updated.
