Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council moves to advertise ordinance to adjust council compensation; one member abstains
Summary
Council voted to advertise a draft ordinance that would allow the township council compensation to be set consistent with the state statutory optional plan of government (raising the potential cap from $3,250 to up to $5,450 for this population bracket). One council member abstained citing a potential conflict if re-elected.
Lower Saucon Township Council voted on March 5 to advertise a draft ordinance (20251 in packet) that updates the council-compensation schedule to the optional statutory allowance for townships of this population. The change would allow (but not require) future councils to set compensation at higher statutory caps; it does not automatically increase pay for sitting members. Council approved advertisement with a 4–1 result (one member abstained citing a potential personal conflict if re-elected).
Council discussion focused on whether the item was appropriate to be placed on the agenda and on timing, with critics saying it should be discussed earlier in the evening and supporters saying individual council members may choose to accept or decline compensation. Acting manager noted that any salary change would not take effect for current officeholders until after the election cycle and that the ordinance simply authorizes advertisement and public hearing.
