The Taylor City Council is one step closer to getting a highly-contested pay raise – or not.
At the June 8 meeting, councilmen approved a fivemember committee to explore the compensation issue, compare what other similar cities do and make a recommendation.
But the outcome is anything but sure.
“I understand the arguments in favor, and I absolutely understand the arguments against,” said committee appointee Richard Stone.
Stone, a former chair of the Arts Advisory Board, was appointed to the committee by councilman Mitch Drummond.
Stone said he was keeping an open mind until the committee had a chance to meet and discuss.
Last fall, Ordinance 2022-43, which would have raised the pay for city leaders from $25 dollars to $1,200 per month for council members, and from $25 to $1,500 month for the mayor’s position, was defeated 3-2 after an outcry from citizens who complained that they were left out of the process.
At the meeting, Deputy City Manager Jeff Jenkins said this was good timing to move forward with the committee, which would provide council with a recommendation for the amount of an increase.
Council agreed on the committee having three meetings which would hopefully culminate with a recommendation in August.
