TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Tallahassee’s charter is under review.
Thursday night, a committee met to discuss possible changes to the size of the city commission and changes to commissioner salaries. Several members expressed support for raising salaries.
“The salary is currently set so low compared to other elected offices that it’s more difficult to get passionate and qualified people — citizens — to run,” said one member, Sha’Ron James.
Public commenters also voiced support for the idea. The other topic, increasing the number of seats on the city commission, drew much less support.
“It’s been very troublesome attempting to even follow the five commissioners that are there now,” one public commenter said.
One committee member, Ernie Payne, argued adding more commissioners would make meetings less efficient. Public commenters questioned why this was even being considered when it wasn’t something the public had asked for. Member Bruce Strouble seemed to agree.
“Unless we’re saying that our five-member commission is not working, then we need some kind of compelling reason, or we need the public to come and say we want to change it,” Strouble said. “But I haven’t seen that yet.”
The committee didn’t make a decision on either item and opted not to vote on them any earlier than February 8. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for next Thursday.
The committee is made up of ten people, each appointed by a member of the city commission. You can find a full list here.
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