Woodbury Council Mulls Pay Increase

Woodbury City Council members are typically straightforward with their opinions of the issues facing the city.

But most admitted a discussion of their pay for being on the council was a little awkward.

The council and mayoral positions have not seen a pay raise since 2006. And while the group agreed they do the job as a matter of public service, staff wants to ensure the city continues to get strong candidates for the council.

“I don’t do this for the compensation—none of us do. … I sort of don't care (about the pay),” Councilman Paul Rebholz said.

The mayor makes $8,520 a year and council members get $6,540. (The city hasn’t addressed the matter since 2005.)

“I'm fine being at the bottom,” Rebholz said.

At a workshop session on Wednesday, staff urged the council to take up the discussion at regular intervals, as Woodbury leaders may not feel comfortable bringing it up themselves.

Any pay raise would not take effect until Jan. 1 following an election year.

Councilman Christopher Burns noted that many people in the community are struggling in the down economy, and it’s difficult for the council to give itself a raise.

City Administrator Clint Gridley reminded them that “the offices go beyond yourself,” and they have seen increasing responsibilities as the city has grown over the years.

No formal action was taken on Wednesday, but the city will revisit the issue in February or March.