East Bethel council approves 10% pay increase for mayor and council, removes automatic escalator

The East Bethel City Council on Oct. 13 approved an ordinance amendment to increase compensation for the mayor and city council by 10% and removed a proposed automatic escalator tied to future raises.

City staff told the council the 10% increase responds to compensation that has not changed since 2005. Staff reported an automatic escalator raised state law and conflict-of-interest concerns, saying Minnesota Statute 415.11 requires an election before a salary increase would take effect and that an automatic escalator could be out of compliance when enacted between elections.

City staff presented comparative data showing the adjusted compensation would be comparable to neighboring cities and said the immediate 10% bump would not take effect until January following the next municipal election. Councilmember discussion emphasized the additional duties council members perform outside regular meetings, including liaison roles and extra committee work, as justification for the increase. Several council members also said periodic adjustments were reasonable given that pay had not changed for two decades.

Councilmember discussion included caution about perceived conflicts with labor agreements and a recommendation from staff to avoid automatic increases that could be legally challenged. After a motion to amend Ordinance No. 2025-05 to implement the change, the council voted in favor with no recorded opposition.

Council members did not specify the exact new salary figures in the meeting record. The ordinance amendment and its effective date were described by staff as taking effect in January following the next municipal election. No separate motion or public comment opposing the measure was recorded.

The council then moved on to other agenda business.