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City Council members discussed a possible pay raise at last week's Work Session and at Tuesday's City Council meeting, ultimately deciding to delay any possible change until the next fiscal year.
"For cities of our size, the Council is actually lower than the midpoint," said Mayor Michael W. Daniels. "There does not appear to be a methodology, a science or even a guideline in figuring the compensation," he added. "It's at the discretion of the Council."
"Why are we paid at all?" questioned Bruce Call, Council member. "We are, in effect, volunteers who get a little compensation for our time."
Call said he did not see the need for a pay raise.
Other Council members agreed that they felt uncomfortable giving themselves a pay raise, but expressed the desire to possibly raise the compensation for future Council members.
The mayor's salary is above the midpoint for cities of this size. "It doesn't make sense to me that the mayor's compensation needs to be adjusted," said Daniels.
According to Gary Clay, Financial Director, the City Council members are currently paid $600 per month plus a full benefit package. "It's the same benefit package that full-time employees receive," said Clay. The Mayor is paid $1,500 per month plus the full benefit package.
The subject will be brought up again in February or March in preparation for the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.
According to Frank Mills, City Administrator, the Council's compensation has not been adjusted for 10 years. |
