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Council tables ordinance to cut mayor’s pay amid legal questions
Summary
Councilmembers tabled an ordinance that would reduce the mayor’s salary to $0 while investigations proceed after a lengthy legal discussion; the motion to table passed unanimously. Public commenters and the mayor raised constitutional and oversight concerns.
The Soap Lake City Council on April 15 tabled an ordinance that would cut the mayor’s monthly salary to zero while investigations are pending. The ordinance, described in the agenda as “Reducing the Monthly Salary of the Mayor of the City of Soap Lake to Zero Dollars ($0.00) per Month during the Pendency of Ongoing Investigations,” was the subject of extended legal discussion before Councilmember Carson moved to table it and Councilmember Gorman seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Peter Sharp read a statement during the meeting asserting the proposed salary reduction was unlawful, though the minutes do not include the text of his statement. Public commenters also raised objections: Carla Adkins read a statement expressing concern over the mayor being under investigation and the city’s operational oversight shifting to staff, while resident Nancy Miller said removing pay “would be unconstitutional.” The minutes record no formal vote on adopting the ordinance, only the unanimous motion to table it.
The city attorney indicated staff are preparing legal guidance related to several issues raised; the council did not set a new date to revisit the ordinance during the meeting.
