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Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly raises member meeting pay and sets mayor salary
Summary
The Assembly approved Ordinance 25-09 to increase Assembly meeting compensation and Ordinance 25-10 to set the mayor’s salary, actions that drew concern over timing amid a projected FY26 budget deficit and debate about comparability with other entities.
The Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly voted Aug. 26 to increase meeting compensation for Assembly members and to set the mayor’s salary, measures members said were intended to attract and retain officials but which some warned could worsen a pending budget shortfall.
Public Services Director Clara Johnson introduced Ordinance 25-09, which raises Assembly meeting fees; the ordinance passed on a motion by Austin Swan Sr., seconded by Vice President Elmer Armstrong Jr., by a majority roll call vote (six yes, four no). Members who opposed the measure, including Craig McConnell and Lincoln Carr, said the vote came at a difficult fiscal moment and questioned whether the borough should add compensation while facing anticipated cuts.
Johnson also presented Ordinance 25-10 to set the mayor’s salary. Swan moved the ordinance, Vice President Armstrong seconded, and the measure passed by majority with one recorded no vote. Craig McConnell said he supported setting a competitive salary to attract qualified candidates but reiterated concerns about broader budget pressures.
Treasurer Jade Hill had warned elsewhere in the meeting that the proposed FY26 budget was in deficit and that the borough was operating without a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreement in place; several members urged caution about new recurring costs. "We have contingency and sustainability funds, but relying on reimbursements or unassigned balances is risky," Hill said during the financial report.
Supporters argued that predictable compensation helps recruitment and professionalizes service. McConnell urged the assembly to consider how other entities pay their officials and to weigh resident concerns.
The ordinances were introduced and debated during the regular meeting at the Assembly Chambers in Kotzebue; both measures were enacted by roll call vote on Aug. 26, 2025. The Assembly’s action on member pay and the mayor’s salary will be reflected in next year’s adopted budget schedule.
