Council rejects proposed pay increases for mayor and councilors, 4–1

Riverdale City Council members debated proposed increases to mayor and council pay at the June 3 meeting and ultimately adopted language that leaves current salaries unchanged. The motion for no increase passed 4–1.

Council members presented competing rationales. Councilor Arnold argued that leaving pay where it is could disadvantage future candidates later because percentage increases compound over time; he also said he was personally willing to forgo any increase. Councilor Stevens and others emphasized that service is the primary motivator for running and questioned whether pay is a recruitment driver. One councilor described the vote as partly an optics decision following recent tax and payroll discussions.

Councilor Arnold noted the city’s unique service expectations — full‑time police and fire, and higher call volume per capita — and members of staff urged councilors to consider their time and responsibilities. Staff also reminded the council that city code already includes language allowing an elected official to decline pay.

The final roll call produced a 4–1 result in favor of not adopting the increases. The council confirmed the ordinance change in the meeting record; the packet language will be adjusted to reflect the adopted “no increase” posture and the ordinance recorded accordingly.