Council rejects ordinance to add per‑diem and change alderman compensation

Council debated Ordinance 11d, which would have amended Chapter 31 of the Danville City Code to add meeting‑attendance per‑diem language and revise alderman compensation. Proponents framed the change as accountability to ensure elected officials attend final council votes; opponents raised concerns about fairness, illness exceptions and whether previous attempts to change voting rules had been tied to attendance concerns.

Aldermen pressed for clarifications. One alderman said the ordinance, as written, would not penalize missed committee meetings but would affect council meeting attendance; others asked for allowances for prolonged illness and for clearer exception language. The mayor noted he has supported similar measures previously and said the reform "is an issue that I raised more than a decade ago, and I'm thankful that we're, attempting to address it again." After roll call the clerk announced nine no votes and the ordinance failed.

The debate referenced past council discussions in April 2025 and the consent‑decree context for governance questions. No ordinance was adopted; council members signaled that more work or different language might be necessary if the council revisits compensation and attendance policy.