Establishing Fair and Equitable Compensation for Elected Officials

Introduction:

To ensure Freeport’s residents are represented by qualified and diverse candidates, it is critical to offer appropriate compensation for our elected officials. The current low pay for positions like mayor, city clerk, and aldermen often limits these roles to those who are financially well-off, perpetuating a status quo that discourages fresh, diverse leadership. I propose a compensation structure based on Freeport's average household income, which will broaden candidate eligibility, enhance accountability, and ensure elected officials have the financial support needed to dedicate themselves fully to their responsibilities.

Context on Freeport’s Current Household Income:

The current average household income in Freeport is approximately $45,000. Using this figure as a baseline, we propose a new compensation structure that aims to balance fairness, representation, and fiscal responsibility.

Compensation Proposal with a Four-Year Phase-In Plan:

To mitigate the financial impact on the city’s budget, this new compensation structure will be implemented gradually over the next four years. This phased approach will allow the city to absorb these changes while working toward fairer pay for elected officials. Every four years, the average household income will be reviewed, and pay adjustments (increases or decreases) for elected officials will be based on their performance and the success of city governance under their leadership.

The Proposed Compensation Structure:

1. Council Members: Paid between 75% of Freeport’s average household income ($33,750/year).

   - Alderpeople serve as the voice of their wards, shaping local policy and advocating for residents. This compensation level reflects the significant time and responsibility required of this role and ensures they can focus on their duties without financial strain

2. City Clerk: Paid at 150% of Freeport’s average household income ($67,500/year).

   - The city clerk is essential to Freeport's day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth administration. This full-time role requires a salary that reflects the critical importance of the position.

3. Mayor: Paid at 200% of Freeport’s average household income ($90,000/year).

   - The mayor should be able to fully commit to their role as the city's leader and chief advocate, without the need for external employment. This level of compensation reflects the role’s demands and the savings from eliminating the $90,000 currently paid to external lobbying firms.

Financial Impact and Phase-In Plan:

To ease the financial impact, the full compensation targets will be reached gradually, with yearly incremental raises over the next four years. For example, a mayor earning $30,000 today would receive increases that gradually raise their salary to $90,000 by year 2028. The same principle applies to aldermen and the city clerk, ensuring the city budget can adjust progressively.

Key Benefits of This Approach

1. Encouraging Diverse Representation:

   Fair compensation will open the doors for people from different economic backgrounds to serve, ensuring Freeport’s leadership truly reflects the community it represents.

2. Ending the "Part-Time" Leadership Mindset:

   Currently, the roles of our elected officials are often treated as part-time positions with minimal responsibilities. By compensating officials fairly, we will foster a culture of full-time commitment, responsibility, and accountability.

3. Reducing Outsourcing Costs:

   Freeport currently spends $90,000 annually on a lobbying firm to represent the city's interests. By compensating the mayor appropriately, we eliminate this need and should expect the mayor to fulfill this duty directly, saving taxpayer money and fostering stronger in-house leadership.

4. Performance-Based Adjustments:

   Every four years, the average household income will be reviewed, and salary adjustments for elected officials will mirror the city’s economic growth or decline. This ensures that city leadership is financially aligned with the success of the community.

MY CONCLUSION:

Implementing a compensation structure based on Freeport’s average household income will ensure better representation, attract higher-caliber candidates, and foster more committed leadership. By phasing in these changes over four years, the city can absorb the financial impact while still achieving the long-term goal of better governance. Ultimately, this structure will empower Freeport to move beyond the status quo, with a leadership that is both representative and accountable to its residents.

I urge the City Council to approve this proposal and take the necessary steps to implement fair and performance-based compensation for Freeport’s elected officials, ensuring that our city is governed by individuals who are committed to its growth, prosperity, and long-term success.

Proposed Structure Summary:

- Council Members: 75% of the average household income ($33,750/year).

- City Clerk: 150% of the average household income ($67,500/year + benefits).

- Mayor: 200% of the average household income ($90,000/year + benefits).

The goal is to reach these compensation targets over the next four years, with performance reviews every four years based on household income trends and city governance success. This structure will encourage better representation, leadership, and work ethic for the benefit of Freeport’s future.