Council considers pay raise

Members of the La Grange City Council are considering giving themselves a pay raise.

The council held a first reading of a pay raise ordinance Monday night. If the ordinance passes at next month’s city council meeting, council members will receive an additional $100 per month, bumping their monthly stipend from $400 to $500 per month.

Their stipend would increase from $4,800 to $6,000 per year. The change would take effect Jan. 1.

Mayor Elsie Carter stands to see her salary increase from $1,000 to $1,040 per month, effective July 1.

Carter said the increase for the council was her idea. They have not seen a salary increase in four years, but in that time they have seen their time commitment increase significantly.

Council members attend three to five committee meetings a month in addition to city council meetings, Carter said.

“They deserve it,” she said. “I just think it’s time.”

Council member Joe Davenport said the council initiated the idea of a pay raise for Carter, the first pay raise for the mayor in 10 years.

Council member Wally Nay said Carter deserves more than a $40 increase per month.

“If people saw what she did, they’d agree,” he said.

Carter said the city budget will be able to accommodate the higher salaries without much problem.

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