Bothell leaders urge higher council pay to widen access; commission sets options and timeline

Bothell officials, current council members and residents told the city's Salary Commission on Wednesday that council compensation should be raised to reduce financial barriers to serving and to broaden who can run for office.

Speakers at the commission meeting described the work as a de facto half-time executive job, noted costs that go beyond time spent in meetings, and urged a simple, well‑paid package that includes access to ordinary employer benefits. City staff told the commission that one benchmark Mayor Mason Thompson suggested'half the city's median household income'would equal about $66,000 for a half‑time position.

Why it matters: Commissioners are preparing a recommendation the City Council will see before a public hearing. Changes in compensation affect who can afford to run for and hold office, the commission heard, and the commission must balance fairness, precedent and the city's ordinance and procedure for making adjustments.

Discussion highlights

- Barriers to serving: Multiple speakers described uncompensated costs of public office including lost wages, campaign time, personal and family stress, online harassment and other nonfinancial…