Salary Fund Would Give City Options Mayor: Put $60,000 Aside, Make Decision After Election

The city is mulling over the idea of setting aside $60,000 to hire a city administrator next year or boost the meager mayoral pay.

Mayor Ron Chaney pitched the idea to council members Monday. He said he was neither for it nor against it, but wanted council members to have some options next year.

“This would give the council the flexibility to hire an administrator if they want to or fund a full-time mayoral position,” said Chaney who now makes $800 month.

Chaney made it clear he was not vying for a pay increase for himself. If he decides to run for re-election in November and wins, he said he would decline any pay raise.

“The issue needed to be brought up and this way I can do it in a neutral way.”

Chaney said if any council members are considering a run for mayor and brought up the idea of a pay raise, they would be attacked at election time.

Four council members are up for election this year, and at least one has expressed an interest in Chaney’s post.

“I think they (council members) are concerned about this becoming a political football, but I think it’s appropriate we discuss it.”

The plan is to set aside the money out of this year’s budget. After the elections, the council could then decide if they want to pay the mayor more money or hire a city administrator.

“If the city elects what proves to be an incompetent mayor, the council would then have the ability to hire a city administrator,” Chaney said. “Personally I’m not promoting this, I’m just putting the idea out there on the table.”

, DataTimes