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CC Work Session 2.2. <br />Meeting Date: 04/14/2026 <br />Information <br />Title: <br />Discuss Council Member Compensation <br />Purpose/Background: <br />Councilmembers Buscher and Riley requested this discussion. <br />The purpose of this discussion is to seek feedback from the City Council to see if there is an interest in making an <br />adjustment to Council salaries. <br />Salaries have not been increased since 2005 and, prior to that, the last increase was in 1989. The last time this <br />matter was discussed was February 8, 2022. At that time, a survey of similarly sized cities showed that the City <br />of Ramsey's Council compensation is ranked 29 out of 31 cities. Minutes from that meeting are attached. <br />State statute requires that Council salaries are to be established prior to an election and increases do not become <br />effective until after the election. Consequently, with an election planned for 2026, if there is an interest in <br />increasing the Mayor and Councilmember's salaries, the time for such an action is prior to the next municipal <br />election, and increases would be effective after the election, in January. <br />Charter Language: Section 2.7 Salaries. The mayor and councilmembers shall receive such compensation as is <br />fixed by the council in accordance with state statutes. Any increases in such compensation shall not become <br />effective until after the next municipal election. Other officers and employees of the city shall receive such <br />salaries or wages as may be fixed by the council. <br />Back in February, 2022, staff found that in comparable cities, the average annual pay for Mayors is $10,338 <br />(Ramsey's is $8000) and the average annual pay for Councilmembers is $7975 (Ramsey's is $6000). A few <br />cities also provide paid health insurance and other employee benefits. Staff will be prepared to answer questions <br />at the meeting. If there is an interest, by consensus, to plan for an increase as part of the 2027 budget process, <br />staff will obtain updated salary data. <br />Timeframe: <br />10 Minutes <br />Funding Source: <br />If needed, funding will be included in the 2027 budget. <br />Responsible Party(ies): <br />Brian Hagen, City Administrator <br />Outcome: <br />Based on discussion. <br />Attachments <br />Ordinance <br />