Fiscal Note
The proposed ordinance increases the annual salary of alders from $15,128 to $24,218 effective April 15, 2025. This ordinance also increases the annual salaries of the Common Council President from $18,407 to $29,467 and the Vice President from $16,319 to $26,124 effective April 15, 2025. Effective every two years thereafter, the salaries will be adjusted by a percentage equal to the percentage of any increases for managerial employees in the previous two years. The annual cost of the increase, including benefits is $204,000. The 2025 cost, including benefits is $147,600. Funding for the increase will need to be included in the 2025 adopted operating budget. No appropriation is required at this time.
The 2023 adopted operating budget included funding for a proposed increase to alder pay effective April 18, 2023, via Common Council amendment #13-SUB. Per the amendment, alder annual pay would increase from $14,904 to $20,604. The Council President’s annual pay would increase from $18,135 to $25,071 and the Vice President’s annual pay would increase from $16,078 to $22,226; both positions continuing to receive a premium based on the hourly rate differentials at that time. While the 2023 budget included funding for the pay increase, per Wisconsin Statutes, the increase must also be codified in ordinance passed by a three-fourths vote of all members of the Council. Passage of the ordinance failed, therefore, alder pay rates were not increased. The funding will lapse to the general fund reserves at the end of 2023.
Title
Amending Section 3.50 of the Madison General Ordinances related to Salaries of Officials to update salaries for Alders.
Body
DRAFTER’S ANALYSIS: This ordinance would increase the annual salary of alders to $24,218 effective April 15, 2025. Effective every two years thereafter, the salary of alders would be adjusted by a percentage equal to the percentage of any increases for managerial employees in the previous two years. This ordinance also increases the annual salaries of the Common Council President and Vice President effective April of 2025 with the same biannual adjustments.
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Please see Legistar File No. 81016 Body in Attachments.