Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
National City council approves 10% pay increase for mayor and members
Summary
By a 4–1 vote, the council directed staff to bring an ordinance to implement a 10% pay increase (the statutory maximum for this interval) for the mayor and council after a staff report on statutory limits and public comment both for and against the raise.
The National City Council on Jan. 14 voted 4–1 to direct staff to prepare an ordinance implementing a 10% pay increase for the mayor and councilmembers — the maximum allowed under state law at this point in the election cycle.
City staff explained state rules limit elected officials to a 5% per calendar‑year increase and that the council could increase compensation up to 10% cumulatively for the current window. The staff report listed current base pay: $1,546.71 per month for councilmembers and $5,211.95 per month for the mayor, and noted the 10% increase would raise council pay to about $1,701.38 and the mayor’s pay to about $5,733.15.
Public speakers were sharply divided. Some urged fiscal prudence and criticized the optics of raises while the city faces budget pressures; others argued that low elected‑official pay limits who can serve and that modest increases help attract diverse candidates and offset the time commitment. "Money should never be the reason why anyone gets into this business," one speaker said; another urged the council to recognize the hours and community work required of the role.
Council Member 5 moved the 10% across‑the‑board increase; Council Member 3 seconded. After deliberation, the motion passed 4–1. The council asked staff to return with a formal ordinance and budget appropriation at the next meeting.
Next steps: staff will prepare the ordinance and the required budget appropriation for the next council meeting.
