Though no legislation was introduced, Galion City Council members discussed the possibility of raising the wages of several elected positions after the next election cycle during a meeting held Sept. 24.
Council member Kara Ault presented the council with data she and the other members of the Finance Committee had been considering. Though there was no legislation associated with the agenda item, Ault told the council she wanted to bring it before them now so that there would be plenty of time for discussion before any vote was needed.
Ault told the council that she believed it would be best to see what next year’s budget looked like before making any salary decisions. She stated that, except for the law director position, salaries for elected officials have not increased since 2013.
The data Ault asked council to consider included the salaries of elected officials in surrounding cities. In addition to potentially increasing salaries, Ault said the council should consider the benefits options the city offers, as some elected positions do not currently offer any health insurance.
She added that if they were to offer health insurance, that should be taken into consideration for the overall compensation package.
Council member Mike Richart made sure the council was aware that if any salary increases were approved, they would not affect the currently elected members but would take effect after the next election cycle, which is in 2026.
Mayor Tom O’Leary also pointed out that an increased salary could potentially go to a less experienced official. While many current officials have multiple years of experience, anyone elected after them might not be as deserving of a higher wage. He expressed concerns that some future candidates could be motivated to run for office for the salary rather than to serve.
O’Leary emphasized that the council’s motivation to increase wages should not be driven by a desire to entice more candidates.
Hannah Bryan is a correspondent for the Galion Inquirer. She can be reached at [email protected].
