St. George Pay Proposal Draws Criticism Over Salary Levels
The proposed pay, introduced by Councilman Ryan Heck, would set the mayor’s annual salary at $175,000, while council members would each earn $44,000. Under the city’s proposed Home Charter Rule, these positions are intended to be part-time.
ST. GEORGE, La. — A proposal outlining salaries for the mayor and city council members in the City of St. George is raising concerns among residents and officials ahead of spring elections.
The proposed pay, introduced by Councilman Ryan Heck, would set the mayor’s annual salary at $175,000, while council members would each earn $44,000. Under the city’s proposed Home Charter Rule, these positions are intended to be part-time.
Critics, including transition district member Chris Rials, argue the suggested salaries are excessive. In a letter to city officials, Rials compared the proposal to Sandy Springs, Georgia, a city that St. George leaders have cited as a model.
In Sandy Springs, the mayor earns $42,000 annually, and council members make $26,000. Additionally, the city employs a city manager tasked with managing budgets, hiring and firing staff, and overseeing operations. The city manager is appointed and dismissed by the council.
The proposed salaries in St. George remain under consideration. Final decisions are expected at a January 14 council meeting, where public feedback on the matter will be heard.
