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Opelika Charter Review Board votes to recommend two salary amendment options to City Commission
Summary
The board voted Jan. 8 to forward two draft charter amendments to the City Commission: a $1,000 monthly pay increase for elected officials, and an alternative that applies a $1,000 figure with any city-provided health insurance cost deducted from that amount; the board also asked for clearer ballot language and scheduled follow-up on charter term limits.
The Opelika Charter Review Board voted Jan. 8 to recommend two draft charter amendments to the City Commission that would change elected officials’ compensation and benefits.
The board approved forwarding both options included in the meeting packet: (1) a $1,000-per-month increase in pay for elected officials, and (2) a $1,000-per-month figure from which any city-provided health insurance cost would be deducted if the official elects the benefit. "There are 2 draft legislations in the packet," the City Clerk said during the board discussion, explaining the two choices and how the insurance option would affect the cash payment.
Why it matters: The board’s recommendation starts the process that could place a charter question on a county or municipal ballot in 2026. The City Commission, not the review board, has final authority to decide whether the amendment(s) appear on the August primary or November general-election ballot.
Board discussion and questions focused on clarity for voters and the mechanics of the insurance option. The City Attorney described the second draft as treating health insurance "as part of the compensation" so the cost of coverage would be subtracted from the $1,000 figure if an elected official enrolls. The City Clerk said insurance rate tiers were included in the packet and estimated the employee-only premium was "to the tune of, I think, like, 5 or $600" per month; the clerk also confirmed higher costs for spouse and family tiers.
Public input included a request from a resident who identified himself as Russell (1210 Harris Street) asking the board to clarify charter language on term limits so voters understand whether elected officials may serve nonconsecutive terms. The clerk said past confusion likely centers on charter Section 2.1 and agreed to place term-limit language on the board’s next agenda for further discussion.
Next steps: The board directed staff to prepare a written report and recommended that the board consider presenting the recommendation verbally to the City Commission at an upcoming meeting. The clerk said commission meetings are on the second and fourth Wednesdays and noted the board’s recommendation is subject to the commission’s review and approval before any placement on an August or November 2026 ballot.
The board set its next meeting for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
