PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles City Council has voted 6-1 to double council compensation.
It also voted 4-2 to add a $200 travel stipend at the Tuesday night meeting.
The first reading of a proposed ordinance is to be considered at the council’s next meeting. May 2 at 6 p.m. is the next regular meeting of the council.
Laws are up for final approval on the second reading.
If approved before the November elections, the ordinance would be effective on Jan. 1, 2024, for new council terms.
Five current city council members’ terms will be up at the end of this year.
Also under consideration is a provision that council compensation increase by a small percentage each year.
Council last increased its pay in 2003. Current council members receive $550 per month, the deputy mayor gets $600 and mayor $650.
By voting to double the compensation, the next council would see members receiving $1,100 per month, the deputy mayor $1,200 and the mayor $1,300.
“People ask me if we are compensated as council members and I say it’s like AmeriCorps but less,” said council member Lindsey Schromen Wawrin, whose term ends in 2025.
“I think that the city council should be more accessible for working people in Port Angeles, which really means that it can’t be treated like something you do in your free time as a hobby,” he added.
Council member Charlie McCaughan voted against the pay increase, without comment.
Council also approved a $200 stipend for travel. Staff initially proposed a $125 stipend, but...
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