Committee backs ordinance to allow pay for some boards, asks to formalize training and attendance rules

The General Committee on March 10 voted to forward ordinance 2026-03, which would amend city code to permit compensation for members of certain boards and commissions and to formalize training expectations for compensated positions. Bob Garza, general committee chairman and Ward 3 alderman, presided over the meeting.

Mayor Jimmy Clary read the ordinance text, which references code sections for boards including the board of parks and recreation and the golf course commission and notes other bodies that make recommendations or final decisions. Jesse Echnara, chief of operations, told the committee, "The fiscal note on this is 0 because the decision on actually compensating doesn't come to the budget," explaining the change would authorize compensation but not itself appropriate funds.

Committee members asked practical questions about which boards would be eligible, levels of pay and how attendance and training would be enforced. Alderman Karen Dixon asked about the "price tag"; Echnara reiterated that the ordinance would create the authority to pay but that any budget decision would come later. Participants noted one existing line in the code that references $100 for stormwater appeals and mentioned planning commission amounts discussed elsewhere.

Members discussed whether compensation could affect liability or insurance coverage; staff said they did not expect coverage to change because members represent the city whether paid or unpaid. Several members asked that any future compensation policy include attendance expectations and clear training requirements.

The committee moved the ordinance forward for additional consideration and review of amounts and attendance policy. No funding was appropriated at the meeting; members said they would consider specific compensation levels as part of a future budget or amendment.