The Rexburg City Council passed an ordinance on Sept. 7 to raise the mayoral salary about 31 percent and change the position from four-fifths time to full-time.
“His (the mayor position) getting additional money was more important than the council,” said Irma Anderson, city council member. “In the next mayoral race, more will be willing to compete and be valuable in giving leadership to Rexburg.”
Council members also noted the mayor currently fills two job functions.
“This is really not a small job,” said Anderson. “He really does work full-time, over-time because the city does not have a city manager. The mayor does both jobs.”
The mayoral raise measure passed with a 3-2 vote.
Council members Nyle Fullmer and Farrell Young voted against the measure citing budget constraints stopped them for voting for the raise and had no reflection on Mayor Shawn Larsen personally.
When Larsen took office in January 2004 the mayoral salary was $42,312. The pay raise will take effect in January 2006 and will increase the salary to $55, 512. In addition to the change in time requirements, the raise also reflects cost of living increases said Blair Kay, Rexburg City clerk.
The City Council rejected a salary increase that would have added $50 a month to their salaries. Members had personal reasons for voting down the recommendation made by the Citizens Committee four years ago. “I feel like I want to give service,” said Anderson. “Service is more important than salary.”
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