St. Cloud Council talks about increasing its pay

According to a recommendation by St. Cloud city staff, city council members could see a $6,000 annual pay increase after the next election cycle.

The financial matter was raised raised during a May 18 workshop.

Human Resources Director Justin Kluesner presented five different increase options to the council that were based on both population and inflation. The current population of St. Cloud is about 61,000.

Currently, council members earn $18,515 annually. The mayor, who receives 20 percent above that according to the ordinance, receives $22,218.

Looking at the five options, the increase for council members could be as low as $19,047 based on St. Cloud population numbers. However, city staff is recommending that the city follow the city of Kissimmee’s base rates (the fourth option). That would increase councilmembers’ annual salaries to $25,680.

“Number four is what we recommend to be consistent with Kissimmee,” said City Manager Veronica Miller.

Any increase would have to wait to be established until after the next election.

“Regardless what this City Council does, this potential increase would not apply to anybody sitting in the chair as of right now,” said City Attorney Dan Mantzaris.

St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell said he believed the salary increase was warranted.

“One of my frustrations is people don’t realize how much time councilmembers certainly have to put into the job,” Blackwell said. “I think when someone does the job and does it well, at least be compensated on a better level than we are being compensated on.”

The ordinance applying to raise council salaries was established in 1991, when councilmembers were paid $5,000 annually.

The possible increase will be voted on at a later date.