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Clear Lake council approves pay increase for future councilmembers after split 3–2 vote
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 278-2024 to raise member compensation effective upon the next vacancy/seating; the motion passed 3–2 after debate over whether the outgoing council should set pay for incoming members.
Mayor Claffey proposed an ordinance (No. 278-2024) to increase the monthly stipend for city council members above the $500 per month established in 2020, citing the time, travel and cost burdens of council service. City clerk Ms. Swanson and city attorney Pucci provided statutory context: statute allows councils to raise the base amount tied to population and a 5% COLA since the last increase.
Council debate centered on whether the outgoing council should initiate a pay change that will affect incoming members. Council members Kramer and Slooten opposed starting the change now and preferred the incoming council consider it; Vice Mayor Overton and Mayor Claffey argued the process should begin now to ensure new members are not deterred by low compensation.
Vice Mayor Overton moved to accept Ordinance No. 278-2024 with language making the increase effective upon the next vacancy and seating of a council member; the motion passed 3–2 with Claffey, Overton and Purdock voting yes and Kramer and Slooten voting no.
What happens next: The ordinance as moved will take effect when the next council vacancy is filled or the next new member is seated. City attorney Pucci noted that some additional cleanup language was required to reflect the effective date mechanics.
