Salary commission keeps mayor and council stipends unchanged

The College Place Salary Commission voted June 24 to keep the mayor and council monthly stipends unchanged after a review of comparable cities and a report that the city’s budget slipped into the red earlier this year.

Miss Booker, representing the comparables study, presented pay data drawn from 11 comparable cities and said College Place’s current stipends sit near the middle of that group for a city with an approximate population of 10,500. She noted the city is closely monitoring budget funds after earlier deficits and recommended against increasing stipends now. "I don't see it feasible financially for the city to move forth with any adjustments on an increase at this time," Miss Booker said.

Commissioner Jessica Benzel moved to keep salaries the same for the upcoming year; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the motion by voice vote. The commission recorded no amendments and no further action was directed.

During her presentation Miss Booker said she provided a spreadsheet of the comparables for commissioner review. Commissioners asked no formal amendments and no public comment was received on the item.