Quincy council may see pay raises

Salary commission to decide

QUINCY — Councilmembers in Quincy could see a future salary increase raise for their positions.

Quincy City Council approved to create a salary commission to review whether or not a raise for the mayor and councilmembers is necessary.

The mayor is compensated $500 per month and councilmembers are compensated $250 per month. If a councilmember misses a meeting with an un-excused absence they only get half of the compensation; if both are missed and unexcused, they get nothing.

The council did not discuss potential increases.

Mayor Dick Zimbelman said a raise is necessary due to all the growth and industry coming to the city and expects the workload to triple.

"It is unbelievable what is coming through that door," he said.

Councilmember Jim Hemberry said he did not feel he was entitled to a raise but felt other councilmembers were. Some councilmembers are putting more time and money into the position than they are getting back, he added.

"I look at this position as more of a volunteer position," Councilmember Scott Lybbert said. "I think you get some of your best quality help when it's volunteers doing it from the heart."

Councilmember Jose Salda-a said there are members who deserve more money. Many are spending more money than they are compensated for out of their own pockets, he said.

Zimbelman agreed.

"My expenses are more than I draw," he said. "I really like how Moses Lake does it."

The Moses Lake Council recently increased their stipends last year.

The Moses Lake mayor position was increased from $700 to $1,000. The deputy mayor position was increased from $400 to $600 per month and the councilmembers' stipends were increased from $300 to $500 per month. Each councilmember gets paid $30 per additional meeting attended up to a maximum of 10 meetings per month.

The increases in Moses Lake do not apply to the current council. Newly elected or re-elected officials are eligible. The same rule applies to the Quincy council if they approve an increase or change to how they are compensated.