City Council approves mayor's salary increase to $1,500 per month

The Bountiful City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, focused on a significant discussion regarding the mayor's salary and retirement benefits. City Manager Ron Mortensen provided insights into the state requirements for municipal salaries and the implications of the Utah Retirement Systems (URS) classifications.

During the meeting, it was clarified that the mayor is classified under Tier 1 of the retirement system due to previous employment with a university, which affects the retirement contributions made by the city. The council discussed the need for a salary increase for the mayor, noting that the last adjustment occurred over 12 years ago. During this period, inflation has risen by approximately 25 to 30%, prompting the recommendation for a 16% salary increase.

The proposed salary adjustment would set the mayor's compensation at $1,500 per month, slightly above the state minimum requirement. This change aims to prevent the need for annual incremental adjustments, allowing for more stable financial planning in the future.

The discussion highlighted the importance of fair compensation for elected officials, emphasizing that the council members are not motivated by financial gain in their roles. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of the salary increase, ensuring that the mayor's compensation reflects both state requirements and inflationary pressures.