UPDATED OPINION: Salary Commission Volunteers Give Input On Council Salaries

Mayor Birney disbanded salary commission.  5/28

Salary Commission volunteers are presently reviewing city council member salaries and benefits.  The Human Resource department thinks they may be due for a raise.  Presently, each council member makes $18,000 per year.  

What Council members do now:  

They have two formal meetings every week.  They occasionally hold Special meetings and Hearings.  Most meetings end within 1-1.5 hours. Council members also attend outside meetings and with give "committee reports" on them.  Each month, a different Council member is assigned ombudsman duties to report citizen complaints and appreciation.  At festivals like Derby Days they work a booth.

An important weekly Council Committee of the Whole (COW.) increased their duties and responsibilities significantly, but this is already baked into their $18,000 salary.  All seven members are expected to attend (though not required) whereas, in years past only 2 council members met on a rotating basis. COW meetings are  where the real work gets done.  A 2- 3% salary increase may be justified based on COW activities.  

Redmond is rapidly evolving from a suburb to a city.  Council's budgetary and policy oversite is not primarily to our downtown, but also Marymoor Village and Overlake Urban Center.  A few councilmembers are getting involved with One Redmond.  The Comprehensive Plan and budget is more complicated and demanding of Council.  Light rail brings a continuing challenge never before encountered by a Council.  Council members should be compensated for these increased responsibilities. (3%.)  Of course, a COLA is justified. (6%)

Remote, virtual attendance is a new benefit and should be factored into the salary discussion.  

1. Council transportation costs and traveling times are reduced.
2. More time can be spent at their real jobs and other obligations.
3. Attendance at 4:30 PM COW meetings becomes more convenient. 

The health benefit is significant and should not be overlooked.  Council members running their own business benefit.  

With all of the above considered, a 12% salary increase from $18,000 to $20,106 is justified.  Council members are privileged public servants and not in it for the money.  Human Resources should hold a community meeting for citizens so they can learn what councilmembers do, just as LWSD does from their community.    

Bob Yoder, 5/22/2023 , updated 5/28, opinion