APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The City of Appleton is beginning discussions on whether to raise alderperson salaries. One council member is suggesting an almost $4,000 increase.
Alderperson salaries appear on a City Council agenda once a year.
“Basically at this time we need to have these conversations out in the open for transparency,” said Katie Van Zeeland, alderperson of District five.
With the conversations just beginning, Alderperson Joe Martin suggested a salary increase to $10,000 dollars effective April 2023. He tells FOX 11 alderpersons can put in anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a week.
“I felt it was time for someone to shoot out a number that I felt was reasonable and would blend in well with every thing going on.”
Appleton Alderpersons currently make just over $6,000. Since 2014, that salary has increased just about 200 dollars.
For comparison, Green Bay Alderpersons currently make $9,887. In Oshkosh, they make $5,000.06
“I looked across the board that that does not include any other benefits. It does not include expense reports turned in.”
An Appleton Alderperson’s only benefit is a parking pass. Council President, Kyle Lobner tells FOX 11 he would support a salary increase, but would look at other options than the $10,000.
“It’s really not about the money for most of us it’s about making sure this position is accessible to anyone who wants to do it and its what’s about fair.”
Lobner says with minimal salary increases over the course of a decade, the number doesn’t catch up with inflation.
“We make less than we have in any council history. I don’t know what the exact number is or what we’ll decided to do but I think there’s a compromise out there I hope we decide on.”
The measure was referred back to committee. The Council has until December to make a final decision on this topic.
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