Marysville council advances ordinance to raise council pay to $585 a month; second reading set for a future meeting

The Marysville City Council voted to introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance that would increase council compensation from $300 a month to $585 a month, with the change to take effect after the November 2026 general municipal election when newly sworn-in council members begin their terms.

Jim Shad (staff) told the council the recommendation was based on cost-of-living calculations since the council’s last pay change in 2007 (staff later clarified some references to the length of time). He said $585 per month was chosen after comparing cost-of-living adjustments and remaining well below state-mandated caps for cities of Marysville’s size. "We did some math to see what would be a reasonable compensation based on the cost of living increases from 2007 to present," he said.

During the public hearing, John Nicoletti spoke in favor of the raise, saying modest pay helps attract candidates with young families and suggesting the council consider a regular review mechanism. "I'm in strong support of this raise," he said.

Council members discussed the optics of giving themselves a raise and noted many had run for office out of public service; several said they would not personally necessarily accept the increase but supported updating a figure that had not been revised in years. The council then moved and seconded the ordinance introduction and waiver of first reading; the clerk conducted a roll-call vote with all members voting yes. The measure will return for a second reading and a final vote at a subsequent meeting.

The council indicated staff will return with the ordinance for second reading and adoption, per the agenda direction.