Poulsbo council sets part-time mayor's salary at $50,000, rejects amendment to add full-time benefits

Council debated whether the mayor's compensation should include a full-time classification and health benefits. Councilmember Newell and others argued the city has grown and the mayor's role requires increased compensation and clarity in the leadership model, while others warned that offering full benefits would require reclassifying the position to full-time under bargaining rules. "The mayor's salary can be increased during a term but it cannot be decreased," a council presenter reminded colleagues during the discussion.

A motion to set the part-time mayor's salary at $50,000 annually effective Jan. 1, 2026, was moved and seconded. A subsequent amendment to convert the position to full-time with full health-care benefits was proposed and seconded but failed on a recorded vote. Council then voted on the main motion and approved the $50,000 salary; staff reported the HR office estimated part-time benefits at about $11,000 annually. The council specified the change will take effect Jan. 1, 2026 and noted any future benefit additions would require changing the position to full-time.