Title
Approval of an Ordinance Establishing an Independent Salary Commission to Review City Council Compensation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee reviewed this item on June 7, 2017 and unanimously recommends it to the City Council for action.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proceed with the Finance Committee recommendation to create an independent salary commission to review City Council compensation and approve the proposed ordinance on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to direct City staff to develop an independent salary commission for consideration of Council compensation.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8447
Mary Verner, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8223
Presenter(s):
Steve Hall, City Manager
Mary Verner, Administrative Services Director
Mark Barber, City Attorney
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Currently, Councilmembers receive a stipend to account for some of the costs and time related to service on the City Council. The amount of this stipend has not changed since 2008.
The City Council has the authority to change the amount of the stipend for newly elected Councilmembers or it can appoint a salary commission to review the stipend for all current and future Councilmembers. At its February 2, 2017 meeting, the City Council directed the Finance Committee to work with City staff on development of a proposed salary commission.
Staff prepared background on salary commissions and a draft ordinance for consideration by the Finance Committee at its June 7, 2017meeting. The Committee endorsed the concept of a salary commission and recommended it unanimously to the City Council.
The Finance Committee suggested in addition to the comparative criteria for other cities of population, budget and number of employees, that the Commission look at the number of Cit...
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