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Newport council sets city attorney salary range at $135,000–$165,000 after debate
Summary
After debate about competitiveness and fiscal prudence, the council approved a $135,000 to $165,000 annual salary range for a new in‑house city attorney; staff must use the range to advertise the position and the council agreed to schedule interviews in late June.
The Newport City Council approved a salary range of $135,000 to $165,000 per year for recruitment of an in‑house city attorney, after members debated whether a higher or lower range would best attract qualified candidates while respecting the city budget.
City Manager Nina Vetter told the council that the HR director prepared the recommended range based on recent market research and that the recruiting firm needed a salary range to advertise the position. An earlier motion to advertise a monthly range ($9,750 to $12,000) was withdrawn while councillors discussed competitiveness.
Councilor Jacoby moved and Councilor Hall seconded a motion to set the annual range to $135,000–$165,000. Advocates for the higher range argued Newport’s profile, visitor economy and the breadth of municipal services (airport, water, fire and police) justify a competitive top end. Other councilors said public‑service orientation and budget constraints weighed toward the lower range; one councilor noted the range is a maximum and does not require hiring at the top.
The motion passed on a voice vote; no roll call was recorded. Councilmembers also adjusted the interview schedule: advertising will be delayed about one week and in‑person finalist interviews were tentatively moved to June 23 (originally June 16), with the caveat the city can schedule a special meeting to confirm an appointment if needed between the interview date and the next regular council meeting.
