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Rising Sun council adopts new stipends for incoming officials and boards; measure passes 3–1
Summary
The Town of Rising Sun approved Resolution 2021-06 to set new monthly stipends for the mayor and commissioners and per‑meeting pay for several appointed boards; the measure passed 3–1 after brief discussion about transition timing for incumbents.
The Town of Rising Sun on Aug. 10 approved Resolution 2021-06 to revise compensation for elected officials and several appointed boards, a change supporters said reflects increasing demands on local officeholders.
Town Administrator read the resolution’s operative sections, saying the measure sets the mayor’s new stipend at $125 per month (commencing Nov. 9) and commissioners at $125 per month (commencing Nov. 1) for newly elected officials. Under the resolution the two remaining incumbents will continue to receive the current stipend of $275 per quarter until after the 2023 election, when the new monthly rate will apply. The resolution also sets $30 per official meeting for members of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Ethics Board (with a 75% attendance requirement) and $30 per meeting plus $150 for election-day service for Election Board members; stipends will be paid through payroll.
The measure’s sponsor told commissioners the change is intended to offset travel and time commitments, including attendance at Maryland Municipal League events and regional meetings. During discussion one commissioner argued that the transition means newly elected officials would receive higher pay than experienced incumbents for a period, calling that hypothetical outcome a fairness concern. The administrator responded that state and town charter rules limit changes from taking effect during an official’s current term and that the resolution follows those provisions.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; the board recorded a 3–1 vote in favor and the resolution was adopted. The record shows the vote tally but individual roll-call attributions were not provided in the transcript.
The action updates the town’s compensation policy and specifies payroll processing and reimbursement rules (stipends cover mileage and meals for one‑day events; tolls remain reimbursable with receipts). The resolution also notes that new elected officials will be paid for orientation leading up to taking office and that the compensation is tied to the position, not to an individual.
