IRON MOUNTAIN — City council members receive only $10 per meeting in Iron Mountain but that could change in 2023, depending on voter approval in November.

Council members agreed Monday to have ballot language drafted for a pay increase to $30 per meeting, with a decision to be made in the next month or so.

A revised city charter in 1985 established council pay at $10 per meeting at a maximum of $500 per year, with the mayor receiving an additional $125 per year. There has been no increase since.

In November 2013, a ballot measure proposed raising council pay to $40 per meeting at a maximum of $2,000 per year, plus annual increases of no more than 3% tied to the Consumer Price Index. That proposal was defeated — 151 no to 73 yes.

During discussions Monday, there was a consensus among the council to seek a raise to $30 per meeting at an annual maximum of $1,500.

Even with such an increase, the council’s pay would “be the lowest in the area,” City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.

Council member Ken Clawson, who donates his pay to the police department’s K9 unit, offered the only opposition.

Director of Police and Fire Services Ed Mattson advised against including Consumer Price Index raises, as he believes that’s why the 2013 measure failed. Mattson said he voted no because other city employees receive no such guarantees. A pay increase for the council is otherwise warranted, he added.

The council, in another matter, agreed to consider a ballot measure to end civil service exam requirements in the hiring of new city employees. Specifics must still be determined.

The city charter now requires applicants take the Civil Service Exam, so a public vote is needed to change the charter. In 2016, a ballot measure that would have repealed all of the city’s civil service system was rejected by voters — 1,811 no to 1,280 yes.

Mattson said the current system is “very problematic” for entry-level hiring. He encouraged talks with current employees to get their opinions on the ballot language.

The Iron Mountain Firefighters Association opposed the 2016 ballot measure.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.