Wausau Human Resources Committee Votes Against Pay Raises for Common Council and Mayor

Monday, October 16th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Wausau Human Resources Committee was lukewarm to a pay adjustment for members of the City Council and the Mayor.

According to Mike Leischenr with WSAU, Alder Michael Martens started the discussion by noting that he doesn’t have a whole lot of “inclination one way or the other,” on the issue.

He later offered a 3% increase for both positions just to get a motion on the floor, which would be in line with the increase for all non-union positions on the city’s payroll. Committee Chair Becky McElhaney said while Wausau hasn’t adjusted Alder’s salaries in 15 years, the city is still compensating those positions equally to many similar-sized cities.

“Looking at the [comparisons] I don’t see any vast problem,” said McElhaney. Alders Tom Kilian and Gary Gisselman gave the idea a hard “no.” Ultimately, all four voted against the motion.

Despite the 0-4 vote, the measure will still go to the full City Council for consideration at a future meeting. McElhaney notes that it would require a 2/3 majority to pass. The item was brought to the committee for discussion because any adjustments to the city’s pay scale for elected employees need to be made before December 1st, which is the first day that nominating papers for the 2023 spring election can be circulated.

Wausau will have all 11 Alders up for election next year along with the Mayor’s seat. Alders serve two-year terms, the Mayor’s position is a four-year term.

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