by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com
Wages for St. Joseph City Council members will remain as they are after a recent council vote.
Elected officials voted Nov. 1 not to institute a cost-of-living increase. City council member Bob Loso made the motion to keep their wages where they are, given the state of the economy. The vote was seconded by council member Steve Frank and passed unanimously.
Officials have the option of changing their wages during election years. Changes to wages have to be made before elections occur, otherwise city officials have to wait until the next election, city administrator Judy Weyrens said previously.
In St. Joseph, city council members receive a monthly payment in addition to a set fee per meeting. St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz is paid $524 monthly and council members are paid $314 per month. All are paid $35 per meeting in addition to the monthly salary.
Other neighboring cities also pay elected officials monthly but do not have a per-meeting rate. For example, in the city of Sartell, Mayor Joe Perske is paid $625 per month and Sartell City Council members are paid $433 monthly.
Waite Park City Council members are paid $300 per month. Waite Park Mayor Rick Miller is paid $600 per month. All are paid a $100 stipend in addition to their monthly salary, Weyrens told officials Nov. 1.
Elected officials in Sauk Rapids receive $475 per month. Sauk Rapids Mayor Dave Saunders is paid $665 monthly.
