Shakopee City Council and Mayor Decline Pay Raise

Although the amount of pay received by Shakopee City Council members and the mayor has fallen below average, it will not be increased anytime soon.

At Tuesday’s regular city council meeting, staff told the elected officials that their annual pay—$6,715 for councilors, and $7,854 for the mayor—is below average based on a 10-city comparison. The councilors’ pay is approximately $250 less than average while Shakopee Mayor John Schmitt’s salary is approximately $1,050 less, according to data provided by the city.

Although a motion was made by Councilor Steven Clay to increase pay to $7,000 for councilors and $9,000 for the mayor, as recommended by staff, the motion died for lack of a second, which is needed for a vote.
Councilor Matt Lehman said he couldn’t support an increase in light of the struggling economy.

The council did approve a pay 2012 pay increase for some part-time, temporary and seasonal workers, who have not seen an increase since 2008.