Helena City Commission votes down proposed pay increases for mayor and commissioners

The Helena City Commission voted 5-0 on May 5 to reject a staff proposal to increase the mayor's salary to $15,375 and commissioners' salaries to $11,275 per year, deciding to keep current pay levels amid tight budget margins.

Director McMahon presented the proposal as an incremental step to keep commissioner and mayor compensation in line with comparable positions and to avoid larger catch-up adjustments in the future. McMahon said the goal was to “keep incrementally increasing the wages and salaries” so pay does not fall behind over time.

Commissioners debated whether this year was the right time to raise pay. One commissioner said the city’s budget margins are slim and preferred to postpone raises this year; another said an ordinance or a regular codified process could create a predictable schedule for future adjustments. A separate commissioner argued a modest increase could make it easier for residents to run for office, while others voiced concern about the immediate fiscal impact.

A motion to reject the proposed increases was moved and seconded. The roll call vote was: Commissioner Shurtleff — aye; Commissioner Dean — aye; Commissioner Reid — aye; Commissioner Logan — aye; Mayor Collins — aye. The motion to reject the proposal carried 5 to 0, keeping current salaries in place.

Commissioners discussed, without taking formal action, the possibility of establishing an annual or biennial process (by policy or ordinance) to review and, if appropriate, adjust compensation. The commission did not adopt such a policy on May 5; commissioners said they would consider instituting a regular review following the budget process.

The commission took no public comment on the matter during the May 5 meeting.