Council to study mayor and council stipend increase; any change would take effect after next election

Members of the Grand Island City Council discussed whether to pursue a pay increase for the mayor and council at the July 15 study session and were told any change could not take effect until newly seated officials assume office after the next election.

City Attorney Carrie Fisk advised the council that while the body may vote to change pay at any time, “that pay rate cannot take effect until the next time a new council member is seated after election.” Several council members urged staff to prepare draft language and timelines, and to consider comparables from other Class‑1 Nebraska cities.

Assistant City Administrator and CFO Patrick Brown said human resources has already gathered comparables and that a market annual stipend would be about $10,003.90 — an increase from the current $7,800. Brown said the last pay increase appeared to have been in 2014 and council members discussed staging the change so it is in place before the filing deadline for candidates if the council chooses to act soon.

Council members asked staff to prepare template ordinance/resolution language and to share comparable stipends with the council over the next several months so deliberations can occur before the next budget cycle. Brown and the city attorney said any ordinance adopted would not affect pay for current incumbents until the next term begins.

Ending: Staff said it will circulate the comparables and draft language; council discussion will continue during the next six months to align any change with filing deadlines and the budget process.