Beavercreek council approves $4,800 raise in annual pay

Councilwoman Julie Vann initially proposed a 100 percent increase in introducing the ordinance, which was amended by Mayor Bob Stone when her motion to approve the $12,000 amount was not supported.

“In the future, I think we need people to realize that if they serve on City Council, their time and their talent and being engaged, it's not just a board meeting where you show up and vote,” Vann said. “You're supposed to be engaged in the community and make things happen ... we want to attract people to recognize the importance of the job.”

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Litteral said she feels a compensation increase for members is warranted, but argued that the original proposed amount was too much.

“I do think that people are busy, and we do want them to be engaged. I think sometimes there's maybe not enough incentive for them to do that because you are busy when you're on council,” Litteral said.

The last increase in salaries for Beavercreek council members was passed in April 2000, according to city records. The mayor and vice mayor receive the same compensation as council members, and any approved increases cannot be applied during the current terms of the members who voted, according to the city charter.

Litteral made reference to the upcoming election, which will have voters in Beavercreek weighing in on four tax issues — a renewal and increase for the parks department; a renewal for the street maintenance levy; a renewal on a permanent improvement levy for the school district; and a new operating levy for the school district.

“I know it's been 20 years, but at the same time, we have a parks levy and we have roads. We have lots of other things going on in the community, but I think that we should take a look at all of those pieces at the same time when we do that,” Litteral said.

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A check of other municipalities shows the change will put Beavercreek City Council among the higher paid council members in the area, but not the highest.