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Council votes to set 10% maximum increase for mayor and councilmembers; ordinance to follow
Summary
Under state law the council authorized a 10% increase (cumulative cap given state rules) for compensation of the mayor and councilmembers; council vote was 4–1. Staff will prepare an ordinance and budget appropriation for the next meeting and council directed staff to study vehicle allowance/classification questions separately.
Staff reminded the council that state law limits elected‑official increases to a maximum of 5% per calendar year (allowing up to a 10% cumulative increase at this point). After discussion about optics, the time commitment of the job and the city’s fiscal situation, council approved a motion to adopt the permissible 10% increase. The increase must be adopted by ordinance at a subsequent meeting and requires a budget appropriation for FY2025.
Several councilmembers and members of the public spoke against raises on principle or on fiscal prudence; others argued that low compensation creates barriers to public service and that council responsibilities are time intensive. The final vote to direct staff to prepare the ordinance passed 4–1.
Action taken: Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance implementing the 10% increase (limit per state code) and the appropriation necessary for the FY2025 budget. Council also asked the city manager to review vehicle/allowance and classification questions in a separate staff analysis.
Notes: The vote tonight authorized staff action only; any ordinance must come back for final adoption. The increase conforms to state law limits.
