Cottonwood council approves $100 monthly pay increase for mayor and council

The Cottonwood City Council voted 4–3 on May 19 to approve Resolution 3396, increasing the monthly compensation for the mayor and council members by $100.

Councilmember Marks, who discussed the fiscal impact during the debate, said, "It's about $7,200 for the year," and argued the stipend aligns the city's pay with similarly sized municipalities. Vice Mayor Coates formally moved the resolution: "I move to adopt resolution number 3396, approving a monthly increase of $100 for the compensation of the mayor and council members." The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.

The vote tally on the motion was: De Willis — yes; Dowell — no; Marks — no; Moseley — no; Wilden — yes; Vice Mayor Coates — yes; Mayor Shaw — yes. After the vote, Mayor Shaw read the resolution into the record and stated the increase will take effect after the current term.

Supporters said the modest raise could help attract working residents to serve and reflects comparable pay in other towns; opponents stressed the civic role of council service and expressed concern about optics. Mayor Shaw framed the work as public service, telling colleagues, "I do not think that's necessary," when weighing how compensation aligns with the role.

The council recorded the measure as Resolution 3396 and included its adoption in the meeting minutes; the resolution text specifies the timing of the change. The meeting proceeded to the consent agenda and other agenda items after the vote.