Skagway Assembly approves introduction of ordinance to revise elected-official pay after heated debate

The Skagway Assembly on Sept. 4 introduced Ordinance 25-11 to revise compensation for the mayor and assembly members, approving a set of amendments after hours of debate and a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Clodie.

The ordinance, as amended, raises the per‑meeting stipend for assembly members, increases the mayor’s monthly compensation and builds in automatic future increases while delaying initial changes until Jan. 1, 2028. Vice Mayor Potter moved the principal amendment and framed it as an effort to make service more accessible: “nobody up here is doing it for the money, but, I think there…there’s a valid concern that some people find it cost prohibited to do it,” he said, urging pay that better reflects the work and encourages broad representation.

Supporters said the change corrects a stipend last updated in 2013 and incorporates predictable, automatic adjustments. Opponents including Assemblymember Waddell and Assemblymember Henry said the measure in its amended forms either understates or misallocates the assembly’s intent and risks reducing transparency. Waddell argued the amendment “doesn’t really align with fixing the problem” and warned it may decrease assembly pay while increasing the mayor’s compensation. Henry said he would vote against any increase and described his service as voluntary public service rather than a form of income.

The assembly adopted three notable amendments during the session: (1) the Potter amendment that adjusted per‑meeting pay and the mayor’s stipend; (2) a section c limiting compensation to not exceed the PERS eligibility minimum (a PERS-related cap); and (3) a motion to remove a four‑meetings‑per‑month cap. Several subsequent motions to change the effective date and to adjust the per‑meeting rate further failed. After the council vote was tied 3–3 on the motion to introduce and read the ordinance, Mayor Clodie cast the deciding vote in favor; the roll‑call record shows Potter, Hansen, Morgan and Mayor Clodie voting yes and Hillis, Waddell and Henry voting no.

What happens next: The assembly approved introduction and first reading; further amendments may be proposed at second reading. The ordinance as introduced sets new compensation structure and schedules automatic adjustments beginning after the effective date. The assembly did not adopt a final ordinance on Sept. 4; this action was introduction and first reading only.

Votes at a glance - Introduction and first reading of Ordinance 25-11: Passed (4 yes, 3 no). Mayor Clodie broke the tie.

Context and implications Officials said the change aims to make assembly service more financially accessible and to reduce ad-hoc pay adjustments. Opponents warned about following another municipality’s model (Haines) without accounting for differences in benefits and community context, and raised concerns about delaying the effective date to avoid near‑term criticism. Further review, committee input and a second reading will determine whether the changes become law.