During a Finance Committee meeting at the Municipal Building, significant discussions took place regarding proposed salary increases for the Parkersburg mayor and City Council. Photographs captured various council members engaged in these crucial conversations. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Unraveling the Salary Controversy in Parkersburg

Mayor's Salary Increase

One proposed ordinance aimed to raise the mayor's annual salary from $100,000 to $120,000. Councilman Chris Rexroad moved to cut the increase in half, but it failed with a 3 - 2 vote, with only Rexroad and Councilman J.R. Carpenter in favor. Finance Director Eric Jiles explained that without the term-of-office pay restriction, the mayor's salary would have been $104,000 this year due to cost-of-living adjustments. Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl pointed out that the average salary for city managers in nearby cities is $130,000, and the mayor in Parkersburg has similar duties. Mayor Tom Joyce, who did not address the proposal during the meeting, later stated that his job has more in common with city managers in other municipalities. The original proposal was forwarded to the full council with a 3 - 2 vote against it.

Council's Compensation Adjustment

The proposal to change council members' pay would add a payment of $125 per regular or special meeting, not exceeding $3,000 in a year, on top of the $6,000 they currently receive. The council president would get an extra $600 per year. Council President Mike Reynolds proposed an amendment to raise council's annual salary to $8,496 and $9,000 for the president, based entirely on in-person attendance at regular meetings. A member would receive $354 per meeting or $177 if attending by phone or other electronic means. However, the amendment died for lack of a second after some discussion. Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl preferred the base salary with additional pay for attending meetings as council members have other duties. Councilman J.R. Carpenter, who was not elected to a fourth term, liked the idea of members not getting paid if they don't attend meetings. Councilman Zach Stanley, who did not run for re-election, understood Reynolds' rationale but felt it was too drastic. The proposal to change council's compensation was referred to council with a 3 - 2 vote against it. A resolution allocating $27,883 to cover the increased salaries for the remainder of the fiscal year also passed by the same margin. These two ordinances and the resolution are expected to be on the agenda for Tuesday's council meeting.