Seven Hills council holds first reading of ordinance to formalize full-time mayor role amid debate over voter approval

At a special meeting July 8, 2025, the Seven Hills City Council held the first reading of Ordinance 36-2025, a proposed change to the city’s codified ordinances that would modify compensation and expense allowances for the mayor and formally designate the mayor/safety director as a full-time position.

The ordinance text presented during the meeting says it would amend section 125.011 of the codified ordinances to change the mayor’s compensation and expense allowance and to modify the mayor/safety director position. The proposal, as read aloud at the meeting, includes a salary increase to $68,000, provision of health benefits, a monthly expense allowance, use of a city-owned vehicle, set vacation times and an effective date in December 2027.

Council debate focused on two questions: whether the package constitutes a material charter change that would require a public vote, and whether the mayor’s current workload…