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Council declines to sustain motion rejecting compensation commission’s 2% increase; recommendation stands
Summary
Council considered a compensation commission report recommending a 2% pay adjustment for elected officials; a motion to reject the recommendation failed on roll call, allowing the commission’s 2% increase to take effect under ordinance procedures unless otherwise repealed.
Council reviewed the compensation commission’s biennial recommendation for a 2% increase to elected-official compensation. Council member Roussy moved to reject the recommendation; the motion was seconded and taken to roll call.
The roll call returned Aye votes from Council member Roussy and Council member Vitale and No votes from Council member Birches, Council member Karen, Council member Frederick and Mayor Walbee. Because the motion to reject did not receive a majority, the compensation commission’s recommendation will proceed under the ordinance timeline unless the council later acts to block or modify it.
Council members used the debate to raise a related issue: appointed boards and commissions have received little or no stipend increases and many positions still pay $15 per meeting. Council member Roussy asked staff to research how compensation for boards and commissions is set and to bring options to the upcoming budget and work sessions, noting the same inflation and time‑commitment arguments apply to volunteers.
Council asked for clarification on effective dates; staff indicated the adjustment would take effect about 30 days after the commission transmittal unless the council acts to place the matter on the agenda. Council member Roussy asked for prompt staff follow-up on board stipend policy.
