Beaver City holds public hearing on 2.9% COLA for elected officials; council to consider ordinance language

Beaver City held a public hearing June 10 on Ordinance 6-11-2025-B, a proposed amendment clarifying compensation, retirement and benefit options for elected and statutory officers and applying a proposed 2.9% cost-of-living adjustment.

City staff explained the ordinance is intended to align the written ordinance with current practices and to spell out whether elected officials are eligible for benefit offerings, including retirement contributions. A staff member summarized the proposed COLA and the resulting annual amounts: “council members will be moving to 17,641 for a yearly salary, and then the mayor will be 19,272,” reflecting the proposed 2.9% increase.

Staff also reported it had consulted the city’s insurance broker about offering city-sponsored medical benefits to elected officials; the broker advised caution, saying offering benefits to elected officials could increase premiums if a future candidate were otherwise ineligible for coverage.

At least one member of the public voiced opposition to a pay increase for elected officials while noting concerns about rising utility rates and pending bond requests. The commenter said he opposed an elected-official increase but was “good with” increases for non-elected city employees.

The hearing closed with no immediate ordinance adoption. Staff and council discussed returning to the item and noted that detailed personnel and compensation matters may be discussed in closed session before any final action, in accordance with applicable public‑records and personnel rules.

No vote on Ordinance 6-11-2025-B was recorded on June 10; the council left the public hearing open for deliberation and possible later action.