The Oct. 1 election ballot asks voters whether they want to remove a provision in the municipal charter that prohibits any payment to the mayor and assembly members for their work as an elected official.
If voters approve the change, the assembly, at a future date, could propose, consider and vote — after a public hearing — on an ordinance to adopt a compensation plan.
Supporters of the proposed change say the intent is to attract more people — including younger people — to run for office and serve on the assembly, rather than continue to rely on the preponderance of retirees who have volunteered to serve in recent years.
The proposed charter amendment does not set a payment amount — that would come later, in the form of an ordinance. However, assembly members in February discussed $225 a meeting for the mayor and $150 per meeting for assembly members.
The assembly at its Feb. 13 meeting discussed the pros and cons and possible payment amounts but took no action and later learned that any compensation would require changing the charter.
The charter prohibition is so absolute that more than 40 years ago a state Superior Court judge ruled that the city’s traditional practice of giving a frozen holiday turkey to city council members violated the charter. (Wrangell switched from a city to a borough in 2008.)
“We have a real difficult time getting more people to run (for office),” said former Mayor Steve Prysunka, who supports the charter change and a “small stipend” to assembly members.
“I think it’s a great idea. A lot of communities do it already.”
Prysunka said it takes a lot of time to serve as mayor or assembly member, and a small payment is reasonable compensation.
The assembly voted 6-1 on Aug. 27 to put the question before voters. Assembly Member Bob Dalrymple was the only no vote.
Petersburg pays its mayor $225 a month and assembly members $150 a month. The city of Ketchikan pays its mayor $330 a meeting, with $300 for council members.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough pays by the month and the meeting, at $350 a month plus $150 per meeting.
Haines pays $175 per meeting, plus extra if assembly members have to drive more than 20 miles to attend. Skagway pays its mayor $1,000 a month, with assembly members receiving $125 per meeting.
“Almost every assembly (in the state) pays some compensation,” said Nils Andreassen, executive director of the Alaska Municipal League.
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