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MINUTES OF THE
LOCAL OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Borgman, Paul Edbrooke, Dwayne Lang, Marty Ferriby
ABSENT: Michael Hughes, Samara McIntosh, Todd Susterich
STAFF PRESENT: Jonathan Seyferth, LeighAnn Mikesell, Barb Shullenberger
I. Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order by Paul Edbrooke at 3:33 p.m.
II. Election of New Chairperson
A motion was made for Paul Edbrooke to remain as chairperson by Greg Borgman, was
seconded by Dwayne Lang and unanimously approved.
III. Approval of Minutes of October 18, 2021
A motion was made by Paul Edbrooke to approve the October 18, 2021 minutes, was
seconded by Marty Ferriby and unanimously approved.
IV. Setting of Salaries for the Mayor and City Commissioners for 2024 and 2025
The commission discussed the salaries of the Mayor and City Commissioners, how they
compare with other comparable cities and when the last increases occurred for salary,
training, education and travel. City Manager Jonathan Seyferth indicated that the amount
of time commissioners spend on regular and special meetings has increased. After a
discussion, it was decided that the current salaries should be raised. A motion was made by
Greg Borgman to raise the salaries of the Mayor from $8,600 to $9,200 and the City
Commissioners from $6,900 to $7,500. It was seconded by Marty Ferriby and unanimously
approved.
V. Training, Education and Travel Budget
After discussing the costs of Michigan Municipal League and other educational conferences,
it was determined that the training, education and travel budget should be increased. A
motion was made by Greg Borgman that the Mayor’s and Commissioners’ training,
education and travel budget be increased from $1,500 to $2,000 and $750 to $1,000
respectively. It was seconded by Dwayne Lang and unanimously approved.
VI. Health Insurance for City Commissioners
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth provided a memo to the LOCC to consider extending
insurance benefits offered to city employees to the City Commission. The basis was that
offering insurance to City Commissioners is likely to attract more candidates to serve on the
City Commission.
City staff surveyed other cities, villages, townships and counties in Michigan through listserv
and received responses from more than three dozen communities with only one township
that provided insurance to their elected official. Upon clarification, it was for their full-time
elected officials (Clerk/Treasurer). Health insurance benefits are based on an employee’s
full-time status and as a commission position is technically less than full-time, this threshold
would not be met.
Additionally, legal counsel weighed and noted per the City Charter, full-time employees fall
into two categories, classified and unclassified. Unclassified employees are defined in the
charter as certain officers (City Manager, Finance Director, City Attorney, Clerk and
Department Heads). Civil Service governs classified employees.
A question that came up, after sharing these findings with the requester, was the possibility
of establishing some type of Health Savings Account (HSA) for elected officials.
The City Manager was asked to provide more information to the LOCC before they make a
decision. They will table this agenda item for now and reconsider after they receive more
information from him.
VII. Adjourn
A motion was made by Paul Edbrooke to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Dwayne
Lang. The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
CITY OF MUSKEGON
Jonathan Seyferth
City Manager
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