DECATUR — The office of mayor could become a full-time position in Decatur, depending on the city council’s decision next month.
Council members voted to give the mayor a seven percent raise and discussed the possibility of creating a full-time mayor’s position at the July 12 city council meeting.
Mayor Bill Montgomery told the council that he has consulted with the Arkansas Municipal League and foundthat even though Decatur is a city of the second class, it could have a full-time mayor.
The position of mayor is up for election, and all decisions about the mayor’s salary will have to be made before the filing period is over on August 24.
Montgomery pointed out that a full-time mayor would be able to help administrative assistant Kim Wilkins with her duties, and serve as a backup, since there isn’t anyone else that can perform Wilkins duties when she isn’t able to come to work.
Montgomery said a full-time mayor would be available to answer planning and zoning questions, go to meetings and spend more time applying for grants.
“There are more and morethings taking place the city is involved in. I don’t think you folks realize (how much there is),” Montgomery said.
The mayor’s salary is currently $11,247.60 per year. Council members asked Montgomery how much a full-time mayor would be paid.
“That would be up to you,” Montgomery said.
Wilkins said Gentry has a full-time mayor that is paid $45,000, and Centerton hasa full-time mayor that is paid $46,000. Alderman Trip Lapham suggested doubling the mayor’scurrent salary.
Councilwoman Linda Martin asked where the extra money would come from. Wilkins said the mayor is paid from the general fund. Lapham said the additional money would make sense if the mayor could get additional grants that were more than his salary.
Lapham pointed out that Montgomery may not be reelected and that the council needs to write a clear description of the mayor’s duties so that candidates will know what to expect.
Councilwoman Reagina Davis brought up concerns about the lack of time - the filing period for mayor and city council members is Aug. 4 to Aug. 24. Potential candidates need toknow what to expect, because changing the position from part-time to full-time could effect their decision to run, she said.
It could make some people more interested or some people less interested, depending on their situation, Lapham noted.
“I don’t feel comfortable voting on it. I would like to ask people in my ward how they feel about it,” said Martin.
“Do we have to pull theirteeth to get their opinion? They’re just lined up here to tell us what they think,” alderman David Sutton replied, glancing around the room, empty of anyone but city officials.
The council agreed to give the mayor a seven percent cost-of-living raise. The percentage washigher than an annual raise because the position hasn’t received a raise in four years. It will bring the mayor’s salary to $12,000.
City attorney Tom Smith was asked to prepare an ordinance outlining the mayor’s duties and salary so the issue can be voted on next month.
News, Pages 1 on 07/21/2010