Avondale Estates’ commission has delayed voting on whether to give itself a monthly stipend until its next regular meeting July 27.
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.
In recent months the commission’s been divided on the amount, who should vote on it and when it should take effect— Commissioner Randy Beebe believes the stipend shouldn’t kick in until all current member are off the board. Mayor Pro Tem Terry Giager is the only commissioner against the proposal entirely.
During a recent work session, however, commissioners did decide not to package the proposal into a referendum for voters to consider in November.
“I don’t like the idea of a referendum,” Commissioner Brian Fisher said. “We’re elected officials, we were voted in to make decisions, and this decision belongs to us.”
If the commission approves compensation in July it wouldn’t start until January 2018.
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