Title
Briefing by City Attorney Regarding Salary Commission Responsibilities and Duties
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
No action required. Information only.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the briefing.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive briefing from the City Attorney.
Staff Contact:
Manny Bosser, Human Resources Director, Human Resources, 360.753.8309
Presenter(s):
Mark Barber, City Attorney
Background and Analysis:
Under Revised Code of Washington 35.21.015, salaries for elected officials of cities may be set by salary commissions established in accordance with city charter or by ordinance.
Under City of Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.05, the City of Olympia established an independent salary commission to review and establish salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers. The Independent Salary Commission convened in July 2017 and met again in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024 with a determination that the Commission would meet annually thereafter.
Briefing
The City Attorney will review with the Commission Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 2.05 passed by the City Council on July 18, 2017; the City Attorney will provide guidance related to the Commission's responsibilities, duties, and timelines including:
A. To study the relationship of salaries to duties of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and the City Council, and to study the costs personally incurred by Councilmembers in performing such duties;
B. To study the relationship of Olympia City Councilmembers' salaries and benefits of Councilmembers in other city jurisdictions of a comparable nature and other market conditions;
C. To establish salary and benefits by either increasing or decreasing existing salary and benefits for each position of Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers by an affirmative vote of not less than three (3) members; and
D. To review and file a salary and compensation schedule with the City Clerk by October 1.
Climate Analysis:
For purposes of this brie...
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