Discuss Council Member Compensation

Councilmembers Buscher and Riley requested this discussion.

The purpose of this discussion is to seek feedback from the City Council to see if there is an interest in making an adjustment to Council salaries. 

Salaries have not been increased since 2005 and, prior to that, the last increase was in 1989. The last time this matter was discussed was February 8, 2022.  At that time, a survey of similarly sized cities showed that the City of Ramsey's Council compensation is ranked 29 out of 31 cities.  Minutes from that meeting are attached.   

State statute requires that Council salaries are to be established prior to an election and increases do not become effective until after the election.  Consequently, with an election planned for 2026, if there is an interest in increasing the Mayor and Councilmember's salaries, the time for such an action is prior to the next municipal election, and increases would be effective after the election, in January.  
 
Charter Language:  Section 2.7 Salaries. The mayor and councilmembers shall receive such compensation as is fixed by the council in accordance with state statutes. Any increases in such compensation shall not become effective until after the next municipal election. Other officers and employees of the city shall receive such salaries or wages as may be fixed by the council.
 
Back in February, 2022, staff found that in comparable cities, the average annual pay for Mayors is $10,338 (Ramsey’s is $8000) and the average annual pay for Councilmembers is $7975 (Ramsey’s is $6000).    A few cities also provide paid health insurance and other employee benefits.  Staff will be prepared to answer questions at the meeting.  If there is an interest, by consensus, to plan for an increase as part of the 2027 budget process, staff will obtain updated salary data.

10 Minutes

If needed, funding will be included in the 2027 budget.

Brian Hagen, City Administrator

Based on discussion.