City Council voted last week to increase its monthly stipends for the first time in more than two decades, calling the raise little more than gas and coffee money.
The unanimous vote bumps council pay from $150 to $300 per month and the mayor’s stipend from $200 to $400. Rates have remained unchanged since 2004.
Mayor Frank Ritchie said charter review discussions questioned whether the old rate accurately reflected the time the positions require and if it discouraged potential candidates from running.
“We heard a lot of talk in the community, from people saying, ‘I wouldn’t do that job for $150 a month,’” Ritchie said. “I don’t know if you’d even do it for $300 a month.”
The higher stipends are not pay raises, according to City Manager Ben Thatcher, and only take effect when a given seat is up for election. Districts 1 and 3 will be on the ballot in May 2026, while the mayor’s seat will not open until 2029.
“I’ve always said it’s little more than gas and coffee money — and I find I’m spending more money on coffee, talking with people,” District 5 Councilman Joseph Macaluso said. “No one is running for office for the $150 or $300 per month.”
“No one is running for office for the $150 or $300 per month.”
— Joseph Macaluso, District 5 councilman '
The change will increase the city’s annual cost for council pay from $11,400 to $22,800, according to District 2 Councilman Joe Bateman.
“That’s not a significant impact on the overall budget for the services we provide, and it doesn’t change anybody’s financial standing whatsoever,” he said.
Boerne first paid its council members $25 per month in 1925, which Thatcher said equates to between $450 and $500 today.
Ritchie recognized the hours council members spend handling Boerne business with constituents, city staff and community groups.
“Their time is much appreciated by me and by the community, so I think it’s well worth the increase,” he said.
The council unanimously approved the motion.
Comment
Comments