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River Heights council approves modest pay increases for mayor and council
Summary
After discussion, the River Heights City Council voted to raise elected-official compensation effective July 1: mayor to $1,800 annually, council members to $700, and the planning-and-zoning council seat to $800. The ordinance was adopted during the June 17 meeting.
The River Heights City Council adopted an ordinance on Tuesday that increases compensation for elected and statutory officers effective July 1.
Under the ordinance, approved by motion and second with a council voice vote, the mayor’s annual compensation was set at $1,800, regular council members at $700 each, and the council member designated as the planning-and-zoning liaison at $800. The ordinance package also includes the recorder’s and treasurer’s wages as set in the compensation schedule presented to the council.
Why it matters: the raise changes long-standing pay levels for locally elected officials and was debated at length during the budget discussion. Councilors said the increase reflects the workload for officials in a small city that lacks a full-time city administrator.
Treasurer Michelle Jensen summarized comparative research for council members, saying she had contacted neighboring cities: “I was recommending 1,500 for a mayor and 800 to a thousand for a city council member.” Jensen said River Heights currently pays less than several nearby cities and that councilors perform many of the functions that other cities assign to staff.
Council members discussed optics and recruitment: some said a modest increase could encourage applicants during elections, while others warned of public perception risks when other fees and rates are under consideration. Council member Lana Han proposed a slightly lower package: mayor $1,800, council $700, planning-and-zoning liaison $800; that motion was moved and seconded and passed after brief discussion. Council member Janet Matthews expressed hesitation before voting in favor.
What was decided: the ordinance will take effect July 1 and will be part of the city’s annual compensation ordinance process; councilors said they could revisit COLA or other adjustments in future budget cycles. No change to employee benefits for elected officials was enacted.
Documentation and next steps: the adopted compensation ordinance will be filed with the city recorder and incorporated in payroll records and the FY2025–26 final budget. Council members noted the compensation ordinance is routine to adopt annually at budget time.
