Commission committee recommends exploring mayoral full-time designation and pay changes; broader charter review urged

An ad hoc charter compensation committee presented a four-part recommendation on April 21 proposing that the commission pursue local legislation to amend the charter. The committee recommended (1) designating the mayor’s position as full-time in the charter, (2) establishing the mayor’s base compensation at three times that of a commissioner, (3) creating a $5,000 annual mayor pro tem supplement, and (4) allowing voluntary participation in the management pension program.

Committee members stressed that implementation would require local legislation through the General Assembly and that on-the-ground changes would not take effect immediately; the committee suggested a 2031 implementation horizon if pursued. Several commissioners welcomed the conversation but asked for a short, practical memo from the attorney’s office describing legal steps, timing options (referendum vs. legislative route), and procedural implications of a charter change.

The meeting produced broader discussion about the frequency and scope of charter review. Multiple commissioners expressed interest in a more comprehensive review and said they would sign a petition to trigger a special call or participate in a review commission. The mayor and others urged a scoped approach to make any future charter review manageable and focused. No immediate changes were adopted; the commission agreed to request an attorney memo outlining options for moving forward.