Council holds broad discussion on member compensation; no change adopted

Councilmembers spent a major portion of the Aug. 6 meeting discussing municipal compensation for elected council members, debating whether pay should be adjusted to reflect growing workloads, recruiting needs and inflation.

Councilwoman Deidre Johnson Reed introduced the topic, saying many council activities extend beyond the two monthly meetings and that rising cost-of-living pressures could make service more difficult to sustain for residents who lack independent income or flexible employers. She said higher compensation could broaden the candidate pool and remove barriers for qualified people who otherwise could not afford to serve.

Several council members voiced varied views. Some said the role is public service “from the heart” and that pay should not be the prime motivator. Others agreed council pay has not kept pace with comparable municipalities and suggested bringing forward an analysis of comparable local salaries and a draft ordinance or options for council consideration. The charter commission had previously left compensation adjustments to council ordinance rather than a charter amendment, so the council may act by ordinance if it chooses.

Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Gonselin and other council members said they wanted staff and council leadership to prepare a proposal and cost analysis rather than adopt a figure on the floor. Councilmembers Marlon Lewis, David Broussard and Morrow Lewis all commented that while they support public service, the city should consider fairness and whether future candidates could be deterred by low pay.

No formal motion or vote to change compensation was taken. Council members said they would continue the discussion in a working session and that any proposed ordinance would be presented publicly for debate and a vote if the council agrees on a recommendation.