Future Durango City Councilors will be earning a bit more, thanks to the current crew.
The councilors unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday granting councilors a raise to $867 per month in 2019, up from $500 per month.
Future mayors will make $1,117 per month, up from $750.
The current salaries were set by law in 2005.
The raises have attracted few public comments. Only one resident, Mike Todt, weighed in at a recent public hearing to say that the councilors should consider creating an independent board to evaluate raises. Right now, councilors set salaries for future members by ordinance.
Councilor Dick White originally suggested the council take up the issue, and he hoped the lack of public participation indicated support.
“This has gone by with amazingly little public comment,” he said.
When broken down to an hourly rate, the councilors currently make about $5.77, if they spend about 20 hours a week on city issues.
The raise for councilors would equate to $10 an hour.
Only Mayor Dean Brookie and Councilor Keith Brant could benefit from the increase, if they are re-elected.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
