Finance committee postpones ordinance to update mayor and alderman pay, requests external comparisons

The Finance Committee voted on Jan. 20 to postpone consideration of an ordinance that would repeal and replace municipal code section 2.11, which governs mayoral and alderman salaries and expense allowances.

Alderman Allen introduced the ordinance, saying the purpose was “to adjust salaries and expenses to reflect 33 years of inflation for all practical purposes.” He told the committee he had traced the salary language to 1993 and said the proposed changes also remove a two-tiered expense category for the public works president that, he said, lacks a clear justification.

Supporters framed the change as a cost-of-living adjustment the city had not enacted for decades; Allen said the proposal would make it easier for people who have childcare or other costs to serve. Several members asked for additional comparative data on what mayors and aldermen earn in similar-size communities.

One committee member asked whether the ordinance’s effective date — structured in the draft to phase changes by 2027 — was necessary to align with statutory filing dates for candidates; a staff member explained the timing is meant to set pay before the next candidate filing period.

A motion to postpone consideration until the next committee meeting was made and seconded; the committee approved the postponement by voice vote. Committee members instructed staff to prepare comparative salary information for the council’s next meeting.

The ordinance remains a recommendation to the Common Council; if the Finance Committee or council later approves it, the council will consider the ordinance on the council agenda (not on the consent agenda) where amendments may still be offered.