St. Bernard council tables pay-equity resolution after debate over race-based data

Council placed Resolution No. 2 (2024), a proposed pay-equity commitment linked to the Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls, on the table for the next council meeting after extended discussion and public comment.

Council member Morton (sponsor) described the resolution as a nonbinding commitment intended to publicly demonstrate the village’s support for eliminating gender wage gaps. He told council the proposal came from the county commission and that the village would not be entering a contractual obligation by signing. "It was proposed to me by Folks at the Hamilton County Commission of women and girls," he said, adding the measure was meant to reinforce an already-positive culture.

Several speakers in the audience and on council expressed concern about wording. Longtime local government employee Miss Helms Goad said the language felt "a little divisive" and urged caution. Another resident, Nicole Kungle, argued that ignoring race-based pay differences does not erase them and said the data should be acknowledged so disparities can be addressed. Some council members suggested removing race‑stratified figures if members found them divisive; sponsor Morton said such language could be amended prior to first reading.

The motion to place Resolution No. 2 on the table carried by voice vote (motion by Mr. Morton; second by Mr. Culbertson). Council also discussed whether the resolution should "direct" the mayor to sign or instead recommend that the mayor sign; one councilor recommended changing the language to "request" or "recommend." The law director said staff would prepare materials ahead of the next meeting for first reading and suggested clarifying language if members prefer amendments.

Next steps: Resolution No. 2 will be listed for first reading at the next council meeting; councilors said they expect to continue the discussion then and invited amendments to the resolution’s language.