Council approves salary increases for city clerk and deputy clerks

The Binghamton City Council voted on Aug. 13 to authorize salary increases for the city clerk and deputy clerks under resolution R25-49. Council member Middleton moved the resolution and described it as a pay adjustment for the clerks’ office. Middleton and other council members said the clerks handle increased responsibilities and that a compensation review showed the office’s pay is low compared with comparable positions in the municipal building, though exact parity with other municipalities is difficult to determine. The city clerk told council members that staff compared surrounding municipalities but found matching duties difficult; the clerk said an internal comparison to other department heads was more useful for setting the increase. Council members said the role’s duties have expanded, increasing strain on resources and justifying the raise. The roll call recorded five ayes and no nays with two absences; the resolution passed 5-0. Council members acknowledged that even with the increase the positions may remain comparatively underpaid.