Monona council approves future pay increases for mayor and alderpersons; changes apply to newly elected officials

The Monona City Council on Oct. 20 approved a resolution setting higher future compensation for the mayor and council members, based on a recent Dane County Cities and Villages Association (DCCVA) salary study and discussions with peer cities.

Mayor Moore and council members said there has been no increase in roughly a decade, and that the DCCVA study compared Monona’s part-time mayoral pay to neighboring jurisdictions. Staff noted the figures were included in the 2025 operating budget but must be adopted via resolution to take effect for future election cycles. The council emphasized the change will not affect current officeholders; it applies only to people newly elected after the resolution takes effect.

Council members discussed options including tying future increases to the consumer price index (CPI) to avoid repeated council action; some members noted that would be a departure from current practice and may require additional policy discussion. Members also discussed the time commitments associated with the positions and the variety of committees and external meetings the mayor and alderpersons attend.

A motion to approve the compensation resolution passed by voice vote.