For the first time in history, the Bethel City Council passed an ordinance to compensate members for attending meetings. But it will only take effect if a public vote affirms the decision. The council has not yet acted to place the measure on the ballot in October.
The ordinance introduced by Fritz Charles passed 4 to 3, with Charles, Mayor Fred Watson, Vice-Mayor Raymond “Thor” Williams, and council member Carole Jung-Jordan voting for compensation. Council members Leif Albertson, Mitchell Forbes, and Perry Barr voted against the ordinance.
Council members would be paid $100 for each regular council meeting attended and $25 for each special meeting. Budget meetings would not be compensated. The ordinance was amended to remove a water and sewer benefit valued at several hundred dollars a month. Council member Charles said that having both the pay and the water and sewer benefit would be absurd.
