In a significant move reflecting a change not seen since 1983, the Winslow City Council has voted to increase the monthly stipends for its council members and the mayor during last week’s meeting of the Winslow City Council. This decision raises the council members’ stipend from $200 to $400 and the mayor’s from $400 to $800. The last adjustment in stipends was made in the early 1980s when the original amounts set in the 1960s were doubled. This recent increase is intended to reflect the level of work and commitment demonstrated by the current council and mayor.
However, although almost all of the council agreed with an increase, this decision sparked a lengthy discussion among council members regarding the application of this pay raise to future council members and mayors, particularly those who might not be as active as the current members. Councilmember Darcey McKee suggested a system where compensation would be based on the number of hours worked, but this proposal was eventually set aside due to the complexity of implementing such a system rather than having a flat rate.
A crucial factor behind the stipend increase is the council’s concern that insufficient compensation might deter qualified and interested individuals from running for these positions. An analysis of salaries in similar municipalities revealed that the increase to Winslow’s stipends is generally in line with what other councils are paid for similar duties in comparable towns.
The meeting also focused on the financial issues surrounding the transfer station, which is currently operating at a loss of over $200,000 per year. To address this, the council has initiated steps to reduce these losses, including the removal of the free voucher system that allowed residents to dispose of substantial waste at no charge.
The proposed fee structure, which will most likely take effect around March according to City Manager David Coolidge, following a 60-day public notice period, will impose charges for waste disposal. Residents within city limits can expect to pay $10 for a truckload and $25 for a trailer. This was not officially put into effect and no vote happened at this time, but staff were directed to prepare for a fee increase. With state-mandated requirements for fee changes, it is expected to not take effect until March. It is possible that the council will not vote for this change, but there seemed to be no opposition from the members.
This fee rate is only expected to be in place for one year while the city finds the money in the budget to purchase a vehicle scale, upon which the fee will change to a per-ton fee. The staff, after much research into how every other transfer station in the state operates, found this to be the most common and equitable way to run their transfer station.
The council also voted to impose a curfew on minors in the city. Any minor who is found on city public property after their curfew will have their parents or guardians notified and may receive a class three misdemeanor. Any parents or guardians who knowingly allow for their minor to break the rules may also be subject to the same misdemeanor. All minors cannot be on the streets before 6 a.m. and those under 12 may not be out past 9 p.m., under 16 is 10 p.m. and under 18 is 11 p.m.
Another key topic at the council meeting was the support for the Arizona Alpine Trail. The trail, which promises to offer a world-class off-road experience across Northern Arizona, will feature Winslow as a destination for travelers due to the council’s support. Originally, the Arizona Alpine Trail’s representatives requested a donation of $1 per resident, but the council opted for a $2,000 donation and drafted a letter of support. This decision reflects the council’s strategy to promote Winslow as a prime destination along the trail while managing the city’s financial resources effectively
In other business, the council:
* Approved the check register and minutes of the meetings held on Oct. 24.
* Approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Phoenix Police Department related to internet crimes against children.
* Approved an IGA with Arizona Department of Revenue to provide a uniform method of administration, collection, audit and licensing of transaction privilege.
* Approved an IGA with Winslow Unified School District for joint use of district and city facilities and equipment.
* Approved a memorandum of understanding related to I-40 corridor development with the I-40 Tradeport Corridor Partner Group.
* Approved the city manager to execute the Arizona Mutual Aid compact for emergency or disaster management.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.
