EGF looking at council and mayor pay

The issue of compensation came before members of the East Grand Forks council during last night’s (Tuesday) work session.

The council and mayor have not received a salary adjustment since at least 2008 – and maybe longer. The current rate of pay is $6,000 for a council member and $9,600 for the mayor.

Council member Tim Riopelle floated the idea of boosting that to $9,600 for the council and $14,400 dollars for the mayor.

Council member Clarence Vetter says he is not a fan of giving yourself a pay raise.  “State legislators…federal legislators….it always bothers me they vote their raises in.  I think something like this should be a vote of the citizens.”

Council member Brian Larson says perhaps it should be considered for the next council.  “I think it would be interesting to consider putting this in place after the next election.  I think that might motivate more folks to run for office.  I would feel a little better about that one.”

A salary comparison study suggests the new rates would bring compensation more in line with other cities of same size. No action was taken at the meeting.