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Uintah City Council approves modest pay increase for mayor and council
Summary
The Uintah City Council approved an ordinance to raise compensation for elected officials — $150 for the mayor and $100 for council members — amid public comment and debate about optics and recruitment.
The Uintah City Council on Oct. 21, 2025 approved an ordinance to increase elected-official compensation, with council members voting unanimously to raise council pay by $100 and the mayor’s pay by $150.
Mayor Gordon Cutler introduced the item as part of old business, noting it was discussed in a prior work session. Resident Dean Larson spoke during public comment opposing the increase and urging the council to defer the decision until after the upcoming election because of a recent tax increase. Council Member Michelle Roberts said she received mixed feedback but emphasized transparency and noted she is the only council member up for election.
Council discussion ranged from concerns about optics to the need to recognize the time commitment of volunteer officials. Council Member Daniel Combe said, “I would feel more comfortable moving forward with a $150 raise for the Mayor and $100 for city council,” and proposed reviewing budget projections at the end of the first quarter of 2026. Council Member Kristi Bell framed the adjustment as recognition of time, saying it was not intended as an incentive to entice service.
Council Member Kristi Bell moved to adopt the compensation adjustment; Council Member Daniel Combe seconded, and the motion carried unanimously with Mayor Cutler and Council Members Bell, Combe, Roberts and Patterson voting in favor. (The meeting agenda identifies the item as Ordinance 298-25; the motion text in the minutes references Ordinance 285-25.)
