Thayne council approves higher future pay for mayor, sets per‑meeting council pay

Mayor Simpson brought two ordinances before the council at its Nov. 19 meeting, and members approved changes to official compensation while postponing zoning revisions. On third reading the council adopted Ordinance No. 408, which increases future mayor compensation from $750 to $1,000 per month and establishes councilmember pay at $125 per meeting. Councilmember Heward moved to approve Ordinance No. 408 and Councilmember Passey seconded; the motion passed with all members voting in favor.

The council discussed Ordinance No. 407, proposed changes to Chapter 10 of the Thayne Municipal Code that would raise minimum livable floor area from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet and adjust planned‑unit‑development (PUD) phasing requirements. Members debated how to define main‑level square footage (to prevent narrow twin homes and split‑level designs from qualifying) and considered a developer proposal to move from a 65% lot‑sale threshold to a 30% building‑permit threshold for phase progression in order to secure impact fees sooner. The council agreed to postpone Ordinance No. 407 to allow town attorneys to prepare precise legal wording and provide time for further review.

Mayor Simpson also reminded the council of upcoming items and events related to the town budget and schedule: the town received $270,000 in additional interest funds from the hospital that will be discussed at the next meeting or during March budget talks, and the December meeting date was moved to Dec. 10. The mayor said he will present a resolution to the county next month regarding the county’s failure to broadcast commissioner meetings.

The ordinance vote was a formal adoption on third reading; no dissenting votes were recorded. The council postponed substantive zoning language changes to a later meeting so the town attorney can finalize the ordinance language.