Compensation for Councilors

September 7, 2016 by DickH Posted in City Council Leave a Comment

some members of Lowell City Council, c.1966

By Mimi Parseghian

On Tuesday night, the Lowell City Council took steps to attract more Lowell residents to run for municipal office. The Ad-Hoc Subcommittee on Charter Changes and Elections met to discuss three Council motions that pertained to local elections.  The three-member Sub-Committee, Councilors Jim Leary, Bill Samaras and Rita Mercier, were joined by the six other councilors. The first motion focused on a salary adjustment for the Mayor, City Councilors and School Committee persons.  It has been 20 years since the salaries were revised.

Currently a City Council receives $15,000 a year; the Sub-Committee suggested that be increased to $25,000.  The Mayor’s compensation will be adjusted from $20,000 to $30,000.  As for the School Committee, the suggestion is to adjust theirs to $12,000.

I am strongly in favor of raising their compensation. I do believe that it will attract those who want to serve but cannot afford the sacrifice.  It is also the right thing to do for those who are currently serving and want to continue to serve.

Today we expect a City Councilor to attend the weekly meetings, sub-committee meetings, all flag raisings, community activities, non-profit fundraisers and civic event events.  In effect, it is a second job.

The current City Council is made up of individuals who are self-employed, retired or work for a government agency.  It is almost impossible for a young person, who is on a career track and employed by a private firm, to be able to devote the time and effort to serve.

A vote will be taken at the next City Council meeting (September 13th) and if the Sub-Committee’s motion passes, a public hearing will be held at the September 27th meeting, when the final vote will be taken.  If the current City Council approves the ordinance change, it will be effective January 2018, when the next City Council takes office.

Lowell has seen many positive changes in the past 20 years.  Our compensation for our municipal elected officials needs to keep up with those changes.