By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
A biennial review of the salary structure for the mayor and Canal Winchester council members could follow a 3 percent increase for city employees.
Councilman Rick Deeds said council reviews the salaries every other year and establishes the pay scale based on recommendations and review of similar municipalities.
“We’re looking at a 3 percent figure like we did for the employees,” said Deeds.
Mayor Mike Ebert currently earns $87,500 and a $500 per month travel allowance. Council President Joe Abbott earns $6,900 a year and the city picks up Public Employees Retirement System contributions of $1,656. Other council members presently receive $6,700 with a city PERS pick up of $1,510.
The total cost to the city for health insurance for four council members is $24,000 and $7,600 for four council members for the employer portion of HSA (Health Savings Account)/HRA(Health Reimbursement Account). The total annual cost to the city for council salaries and benefits is $89,416.
While still in the discussion phase, if the 3 percent increase is approved by council, the mayor’s total salary would be $90,125; the council president’s salary would rise by $200 to approximately $7,100 per year and council members would also see a $200 annual increase to $6,900.
When comparing cities without an administrator—like Canal Winchester—the salary for the mayor in Whitehall is $77,500; in Reynoldsburg it is $97,802; in Grandview Heights it is $33,000 and in Gahanna the mayor receives $103,809. Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman is paid $172,972 per year. In addition to its part-time mayor, Groveport, employs a city administrator who is paid between $72,009 and $115,710.
Salaries for council members throughout the area vary greatly, from $3,000 in Grandview Heights to $11,250 in Dublin and $55,163 in Columbus. However, the average annual salary for council members, commissioners and township trustees is $13,624.
