The Helena West Helena City Council convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss an amended base pay ordinance, focusing primarily on the salary of the police chief. The meeting highlighted concerns about the city's financial situation and the implications of salary adjustments for city officials.

Council members debated the appropriateness of the proposed salary for the new police chief, with some arguing that the previous pay structure had contributed to the city's financial troubles. One council member expressed that paying the mayor a salary of $70,000 to $170,000 was excessive, suggesting that such high salaries were unsustainable and had led to the city's current debt issues. The discussion included specific figures, with one member citing a shocking calculation regarding the costs associated with city services, such as grass cutting.

The conversation shifted to the police chief's salary, with some council members advocating for a pay rate comparable to previous chiefs, which had been around $70,000. They emphasized the need for fairness and competitiveness in salaries to attract qualified candidates. However, concerns were raised about the city's ability to fund these salaries, with one member questioning where the necessary funds would come from.

The council acknowledged that the previous oversight in salary adjustments had not been corrected for nearly a decade, leading to confusion and frustration among members. The discussion underscored the need for transparency and accountability in financial decisions, as well as the importance of addressing the city's budgetary constraints while ensuring fair compensation for city officials.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain competitive salaries for key positions, particularly in law enforcement. The outcome of this discussion will likely influence future budgetary decisions and the overall financial health of Helena West Helena.