The question of whether Franklin should have a full-time mayor may get put to the voters this fall.
The Common Council tonight will discuss holding an advisory referendum on the issue, similar to one in 1999 that was narrowly voted down.
Franklin now has a part-time mayor and a full-time administrator, like many other Milwaukee County communities. The only cities with full-time mayors in the county are West Allis, Greenfield and Milwaukee.
Mayor Tom Taylor, who supports keeping the current system, and others said the question is not really about full-time hours, but rather full-time compensation.
The mayor's salary now is $16,800, plus $400 per month for mileage and expenses.
Taylor doubted residents wanted to see a pay increase for the city mayor during a recession.
"It's ill-advised to put this issue forward," he said. "I think the public would be dead against it."
Several aldermen in a committee meeting Monday lauded Taylor for putting in full-time hours, but said the debate is not about him.
Alderman Steve Taylor, no relation to the mayor, proposed the referendum. The 1999 referendum was defeated by a 51 percent to 49 percent margin, and now is a good time to gauge public interest because of the city's growth since then, he said.
If the referendum were to be put on the ballot and passed, aldermen would next discuss compensation specifics. Neighboring full-time suburban mayors in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties make between $60,000 and $100,000 in salary and also receive full benefits.
City officials would also likely examine the role of the city administrator, a position that pays $105,720 annually.
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Better yet he can go door to door when there is a tornado warning instead of buying tornado sirens!!!!
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Here's an idea, Franklin can hire a full time mayor who will cut everyone's lawn. (Just thinking)
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Alderman Steve Taylor wants to be the next full time Mayor.
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Back to topFranklin Taxpayer - Aug 21, 2010 1:02 PM - Report Abuse
trtcp - Aug 19, 2010 6:02 PM - Report Abuse
Franklin Taxpayer - Aug 18, 2010 10:24 PM - Report Abuse
Simply said, he has been the only one pushing this. Virtually all others have said their is no need for a full time Mayor including Mayor Tom Taylor. We have a very qualified City Administrator.
Now that this will be put on the ballot as a referendum in November, the question is, will Steve Taylor keep bringing it up until he looses his alderman's seat in April of 2011?