Wenatchee looks at salary commission to set officials' pay

WENATCHEE — The city of Wenatchee is exploring whether to build an independent commission to set salary rates for the mayor and city council.

Currently, the council itself votes on any pay changes, which then take effect after the next election. Councilmember Mark Kulaas brought forward the idea of an appointed citizens' commission on salaries at a council work session Thursday night.

"I do think that this approach has a higher degree of objectivity and transparency," Kulaas told the council, calling it "very similar to what the state does with the state salary commission."

Any change would have to be brought before the council for passage as an ordinance. The current pay rate for Wenatchee elected officials is $1,000 a month for councilmembers, $8,500 a month for the mayor.