Mayor Jackie Crabtree received a $5,000-per-year raise, thanks to action by the Pea Ridge City Council during their Dec. 29 meeting.
In July, because of the possibility that Crabtree would be re-elected, the City Council reduced the annual salary to $25,000 effective Jan 1, 2015. Aldermen wanted prospective candidates to know they should not assume that if elected the new mayor would simply step in and make what Crabtree -- who has been mayor for 20 years -- makes. He also receives the benefits of paid insurance and a vehicle to use for city business.
In 2014 he made $45,000.
Crabtree was not able to attend, so city clerk Sandy Button acted as mayor.
Nadine Telgemeier suggested he should make $60,000.
"What is that based on?" council member Bob Cottingham asked.
"People," Telgemeier said. Cottingham asked if she's done a study of what other cities pay, to which Telgemeier replied, "Nope."
Council member Ray Easley said that it would be wise to see what kind of revenue small cities paying their mayor $70,000 or $80,000 have compared to Pea Ridge's revenue.
Cottingham asked for Button's input as the most senior city official present, but she remained silent.
After additional discussion, Easley said he's comfortable paying $50,000.
"Sandy, you've still not answered the question. You know what the job involves," Cottingham said.
Silent for a few seconds, Button then said "I think he'll be happy with $50,000."
Easley made a motion to pay $50,000, which Cottingham seconded. On the vote, both voted yes, while Telgemeier voted no. Button broke the tie, voting yes.
General News on 01/07/2015