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Council tentatively backs optional $25 ‘low‑volume’ phone allowance for members
Summary
Council reviewed an updated cell‑phone reimbursement policy that adds a "low‑volume" classification and an opt‑in choice for council members; most members signaled support for optional inclusion at $25 per month and asked staff to record the opt‑in language and statutory timing for salary changes.
Mayor Johnson called the Aug. 3 work session to order and introduced a draft update to the city’s cell‑phone reimbursement policy. Merrick, the staff presenter, said the main change is a new "low‑volume" classification aimed at employees such as accounting staff; the draft also offers an optional inclusion for council members.
Council members debated whether including council in a reimbursement plan would amount to a form of compensation. "I would not like to include city council," one council member said, arguing the usage did not justify adding members. Others said an opt‑in approach would let individual members decide: "If it's an opt in option... you don't have to opt in," a council member said while urging that the policy explicitly state the choice. Staff noted the policy has been reviewed by the city attorney.
Members also discussed the timing and optics of any salary‑related changes. A staff speaker reminded the group that changes to council salaries must be adopted by ordinance and cannot take effect until after the next municipal election, a point several members said made immediate compensation changes impractical. In the end the council signaled a majority preference to allow councilmembers to be eligible as "low‑volume" users at the $25 monthly level, with the final language to be clarified by staff.
