The proposed change in ballot measure 15-215 up for a vote next month would pay council members and the mayor $900 a month. Right now, the mayor and city council members in Ashland only get paid $500 or $350 every year respectively. Any change to the mayor or council member鈥檚 compensation needs to be approved by voters.
The proposal is a response to council members having their city-sponsored health insurance cut last year. It was removed after it was discovered that the benefit wasn鈥檛 allowed according to the city charter.
In a letter from the voters pamphlet submitted by former city council members, they argue a monthly cash stipend is far cheaper than asking voters to approve health care benefits for the council.
At a city council meeting in February, Mayor Tonya Graham said the city could save around $70,000 a year by going with this monthly stipend instead of health care benefits.
Graham added the stipend would be optional and that council members could opt to donate it to a charity, if they prefer.
鈥淭he mayor and councilors attend dozens of meetings each year,鈥� the past council members wrote. 鈥淭he stipend helps offset the cost of childcare if the elected official has young children, as well as transportation costs.鈥�
They add the proposal would also allow low-income residents more opportunities to run for office.
There are no arguments against this ballot measure in the voter鈥檚 pamphlet.
Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on May 16.
