Star City Council approves mayor’s pay increase to $120,000 after public support

The Star City Council on Aug. 5 approved increasing the mayor’s annual compensation to $120,000, following public comment praising the mayor’s leadership and a council debate about duties and precedent.

Councilwoman Salmonson moved to set the mayor’s pay at $120,000; council amended the effective date to Jan. 1, 2026, and the motion passed on a roll call with councilmembers Wheelock, Salmonson and Nielsen voting aye. The council later adopted Ordinance 421-2025, amending the city code to reflect the change.

Supporters who spoke during the public-comment period credited the mayor with advancing transportation projects, securing park and recreation improvements and strengthening relationships with state agencies. Ryan, a resident commenter, told the council the mayor had moved projects up in state schedules and helped obtain an elementary school site. Sean Nickel, the city’s planning director, said the mayor’s efforts produced about $3.5 million in proportionate-share revenues and other local improvements. Dan Picciuto and several residents described personal interactions that, they said, demonstrated the mayor’s commitment to the community.

Council members framed the pay decision around the mayor’s current workload and retention. Councilman Nielsen said the job had become full time since 2016 and that the mayor’s responsibilities (including project management, water and transportation issues) exceeded what many comparable mayors handle; he also noted the private-sector opportunity cost and a retirement gap created by public service. Other council members said the amount reflected cost-of-living adjustments and a one-time merit component and stressed the council could change compensation in the future.

Residents raised caution about setting a high salary that a future, less-experienced mayor might inherit. Kathy Freeman, an educator, suggested considering a structured schedule tied to experience or education; council members responded that Idaho law requires the council to declare a fixed compensation and that any future change would apply to the office for a minimum period under the law.

The council stressed the vote at this meeting approved the dollar amount; the ordinance amending the city code was read and adopted under a separate action later in the meeting. The council also noted the pay change does not affect council members’ compensation.