ORDINANCE __________
ORDINANCE MODIFYING SECTION 31.02 OF THE ERLAGNER CODE OF ORDINANCES A RELATED TO COMPENSATION OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
WHEREAS other comparable cities pay their Part-Time Mayor an average over $45,000 and the current Erlanger mayor salary is $15,000, and;
WHEREAS the word “comparable” is based on cities in Kentucky that are Mayor-Council style of government of similar population, with similar city services, and similar full-time salaried positions, and;
WHEREAS this position requires someone who has an understanding of local government operations and is capable of running a large organization including Public Works, Police, Fire/ EMS, and General Government, and;
WHEREAS this person is further encouraged to have communication skills and executive leadership qualities including understanding budgets, balance sheets, funds, revenue sources, county services, local utilities, and community organizations, and:
WHEREAS all of these qualities justify pay of more than $15,000 per year, and;
WHEREAS the decision to raise the Mayor’s salary will take effect January 1, 2031, and;
WHEREAS the following is the justification for the increase to $27,000. In recent Erlanger history, the city was paying approximately $4,000 per year for each of twelve (12) council members. When Erlanger City Council decided to reduce the number of Council Members to nine (9) instead of twelve (12), the city was going to save approximately $12,000 per year. Knowing that the Mayor is grossly underpaid, Erlanger Council Member Tyson Hermes said the money saved by not having those three Council Members should be diverted to increasing the Mayor’s pay. This ordinance is for Erlanger Council to formalize that idea. A $27,000 salary in 2031 for the Mayor salary will still be far under (approximately half) the average salary of Mayors in comparable cities, but at least it is a step, and;
WHEREAS with the recommendation of Councilwoman Diana Niceley, the salary of the City Council is also proposed to be increased to $4,600. That salary increase will take effect on January 1, 2029.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF ERLANGER, KENTUCKY, AS FOLLOWS:
Underlined portions are to be added and portions stricken are to be removed.
SECTION I
§ 31.02 COMPENSATION OF ELECTED OFFICERS.
(A) The compensation of the Mayor of the city is hereby established at the sum of $15,000 [$27,000] per year, payable in 12 equal monthly installments.
(B) The compensation of each member of the City Council is hereby established at the sum of $4,200 [$4,600] per year, payable in equal monthly installments.
SECTION II
That if any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such infirmity shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Ordinance.
SECTION III
This Ordinance shall be in effect when read, passed, and published according to law. This Ordinance may be published in abbreviated form.
ADOPTED THIS _____ DAY OF ___________, 2022.
1st Reading: _______________, 2022.
2nd Reading: _______________, 2022. Vote: ___ Yes, ____ No.
APPROVED:
_______________________________
By: Jessica Fette, Mayor
City of Erlanger
ATTEST:
________________________________
Sherry Hoffman, City Clerk