Mayor vetoes district court raises; judge urges council to override

The mayor announced a formal veto of salary adjustments for district court personnel approved at the council's prior meeting, saying the action was “out of a sound financial practice” given the city's outstanding claims. The veto memo, delivered April 10 and included in the meeting packet, said Helena-West Helena needs a formal pay system and firmer finances before approving raises.

Judge Jason Carter, the district court judge, appeared and asked council members to overturn the veto, saying the requested increase — $27,889 in total — is modest and offset in part by reimbursements and new clerks holding court in Helena-West Helena. “Since the last pay raises, Lake View and Elaine are now holding court in Helena-West Helena... As a reminder, I'm asking for $27,889,” Judge Carter said.

Council members and the mayor debated the city's financial constraints during an extended discussion. Staff presented an updated claims list of $3,291,279.94 and noted the total has declined from a prior $4.5 million figure. Several council members said piecemeal raises could create pressure for other departments to request similar increases.

No council member moved to override the mayor's veto during the meeting. On the record, several members said the measure was not rejected on principle but postponed pending stronger fiscal footing and a formal salary-evaluation system. The mayor reiterated that city employees are underpaid and that the administration seeks an eventual, systematic approach to raises tied to evaluations and sustainable budgets.

The council did not take a formal vote to override the veto at the meeting. Judge Carter thanked the council for hearing him and said he would return at a future opportunity to press for the raises if circumstances change.