(Wahpeton)– Elected officials in Wahpeton could be in for a pay hike.
The city council Monday approved the first reading of proposals that would double the salaries of the Mayor and council members. Under the proposal, the Mayor’s salary would go from 1,800-dollars a year to 3,600 a year; the council’s salary would go from 25 dollars a meeting currently to 50. The increases wouldn’t go into effect until the first of the year.
Several members of the public expressed concern over the proposed raises. They feel they’re excessive. But the concern was eased when Mayor Mike McDonough explained it would be the first pay raise elected officials in Wahpeton have received since 1985. McDonough added the raises are necessary if the city is to get quality people to run for the positions. McDonough says the new pay rates would be in line with what elected officials in other lakes area municipalities are already getting.
The council will hold two more readings of the proposal before considering its adoption.
