Elected official compensation limits (Chapter 4-5)
Ordinance limiting elected officials to council-set salary and standard benefits, with no merit pay, allowances or paid time off. First reading Jan. 20, 2026; the council adopted Ordinance 26-03 as amended on Feb. 10.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
- Applicant
- Council Member Kris Coleman-Nicholl
Every hearing and vote
January 20, 2026 · City Council
First reading: compensation limits for elected officials (Chapter 4-5)
Discussed
Council Member Kris Coleman-Nicholl proposed that elected officials receive no merit pay, incentive pay, spot awards, vehicle or phone allowances, tuition reimbursement or paid time off, only council-set salary with cost-of-living adjustments and standard health and retirement benefits. Discussion was lengthy; Mayor Zoltanski spoke on the car allowance, and members discussed mileage reimbursement and city-owned vehicles. No dollar figures were recorded.
February 10, 2026 · City Council
Ordinance 26-03: elected official compensation (second reading)
Approved
Council Member Kris Coleman-Nicholl said the ordinance covers fringe benefits only, not salary, and cited continuity between elections, public trust, budget alignment, transparency and the council's ability to set pay. Council Member Marci Houseman said merit pay is not appropriate for elected officials. Mayor Zoltanski commented and HR Director Katrina Frederick answered questions. Steve Van Maren supported the mayor's vehicle allowance and suggested the council also receive one. Adopted as amended, with item (a)(3) removed, by roll call; tally not recorded.