Iola council members discussed Monday night whether they should be paid for their labors.
For some, it was an awkward discussion, deciding whether they should pay themselves with public dollars; so they have asked for public input.
Here’s our two cents:
Yes, public servants should be rewarded for their labors.
Council members have a huge responsibility in taking our fair city in the right — and, hence, not always popular — direction. They levy taxes, impose fines, and make laws. They set the budget, hire and fire employees, dictate policies. Upon them is the responsibility to keep utilities — sewer, electricity and gas — up to snuff and in as prudent a manner as possible.
They regulate public services, such as fire, ambulance and police.
That they have taken on these responsibilities without compensation speaks volumes about their sense of public duty.
The value in paying them is twofold.
First, it sends the message that we recognize and value the time it takes to be a conscientious commissioner. Second, it reinforces to council members their accountability to taxpayers.
IN A REVIEW of 50 cities scattered across the state, the average pay for city commissioners is $132.12 a month, typically with a tad more for mayor.
Shortly before Iola went from a three-person commission to an eight-member council in 2011, commissioners eliminated their pay. The practice has remained in place since.
Before, commissioners received $250 apiece and the mayor, $300.
If Iola were to reinstate that pay for a bigger council it would put it among the upper tier of its peers and bring the total to about $30,000 of a $30 million budget.
In weighing the expense, the public should also consider what Allen County commissioners are paid. Though their territory is broader, the scope of their responsibilities is much the same.
