PEA RIDGE — For the first time in years, City Council and Planning Commissioners received a pay increase, but not without debate. The increase is $25 per meeting. The increase, proposed by councilman Bob Cotttingham, was protested by councilwoman Nadine Telgemeier.
Cottingham, who said he was willing to serve for nothing, said that the position is worth more as the city has grown and the responsibility has increased. He said increased pay may encourage more people to serve. He said people who work night shifts, may have to take off work, (as he does) and shouldn’t have to be penalized.
The same argument was made last year, but the motion was defeated.
“Per capita, we’re one of the lowest paid councils,” Cottingham said. “I would like to see an adjustment.”
Council woman Nadine Telgemeier refused to vote for the increase saying she could not, in good conscience, vote herself a pay raise. She voted against the raise in 2009, also.
“You could donate your extra money to the library,” Cottingham told Telgemeier, who said: “I believe most of the money I get goesback into the city anyway.
I think the example is for volunteering.”
Councilman Ray Easley, appointed to fill the vacated term of Jack Kelly, said he was too new to vote for the increase as he has only attended three meetings.
Councilman Steve Guthrie voted in favor of the increase.
Mayor Jackie Crabtree voted in favor of the increase, breaking the tie.
Council members werepaid $100 per regular meeting. They will receive $125 per meeting now.
Planning Commission members receive $75 per regular meeting. They will receive $100.
In other action, the council approved end-of-year merit raises for all city employees (31, three of whom are part-time). Full-time employees will receive $325and part-time employees will receive $175, both $25 more than they received last year.
“We want to continue to reward them and let them know we appreciate them,” Sandy Button, city recorder, said.
The council also approved a raise for city attorney Howard Slinkard from $150 an hour to $175 an hour.
News, Pages 1 on 11/23/2011