Commission approves city clerk salary increase amid questions about prior cuts and lack of memorialized changes

The City of Opa-locka commission unanimously approved a resolution May 28 to increase the city clerk's salary.

Commissioner Miguel Santiago sponsored the item, and commissioners praised Johanna Flores for 30 years of service. Multiple speakers in the public forum urged approval; Commissioner Santiago described Flores as "homegrown" and urged the commission to retain her.

During debate, Commissioner Bass and others asked for documentation of the clerk's compensation history. Interim City Manager Shamika Lawson and the city attorney explained the clerk's salary had originally been set by a 2012 resolution, that the clerk's pay was reduced by about 10% during a state intervention at an earlier point and was not formally memorialized with a new resolution, and that subsequent adjustments were not consistently documented in commission resolutions. The clerk, Johanna Flores, confirmed there was a reduction applied without a supporting resolution and later partial restorations; she said her current raise would move her salary to $125,000.

The city attorney advised that while charter officers commonly have contracts, the charter does not require a contract for the city clerk. The attorney recommended clarifying and memorializing the clerk's compensation and benefits going forward to avoid ambiguity.

Vice Mayor Kelly said she supported the increase while recommending the clerk and sponsor work with the manager and legal staff to prepare a clear contract or memorialization; Commissioner Bass said she needed time to review supporting documents but ultimately voted yes. The resolution passed 5‑0.