Salary Adjustments

When considering salary adjustments as a way to economize, local officials need to consider statutes that may prescribe how salaries of certain officials need to be set. Statutes vary for different local units of government and for different officials.

For example, changes in most city council members’ salaries may not take effect until after the next municipal election. However, city council members may temporarily reduce their own salaries before the next municipal election by enacting an ordinance that will be in effect for 12 months, unless the ordinance specifies a different time period. See Minn. Stat. § 415.11.

As with other important decisions that have legal ramifications, local officials considering compensation changes should consult with their legal advisors.

Date this Avoiding Pitfall was most recently published: 3/29/2024