Avondale Estates commissioners remain divided on whether to give themselves compensation, with a final board vote scheduled for June 20.
The current proposal calls for a $400 monthly stipend for four commissioners and $600 monthly for the mayor, the total coming to $26,400 annually. Avondale Estates is one of the few and possibly the state’s only city that doesn’t pay its commission anything.
Three commissioners favor compensation outright, while Terry Giager believes the position should be voluntary. Commissioner Randy Beebee is in favor, but insists it should take effect after all current commissioners leave the board. Several veteran residents who regularly attend meetings have expressed disapproval.
It’s possible that during their June 15 work session commissioners may decide, instead of voting on the proposal themselves, to put it on next November’s or the November 2017 ballot.
“I believe [getting paid] is something we should’ve [approved] a long time ago,” said Mayor Jonathan Elmore. “I also believe if we [put it on the ballot] the community would overwhelmingly support compensation.”
If the commission approves compensation this month, it wouldn’t start until January 2018.
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