Mayor could finally be getting a raise he agrees with

Kabat has vetoed other raise proposals

A smaller raise for La Crosse’s mayor could have more support. 

This week, a city council committee considers a boost in pay for the mayor’s position.  Council member Gary Padesky agreed with mayor Tim Kabat that the last pay increase proposal was just too high, supporting the mayor’s veto of the raise.  

But the latest proposal for a $2,000 pay hike sounds right on to him. The proposal would boost the mayor’s pay to $79,500. The increase would take effect after the next election.  

Kabat voted down a proposal to raise the salary for mayor to $85,000.

“It’s more in line with what other city employees got,” Padesky said.

Supporters say the pay increase is necessary to draw the best candidates for the position.  

Critics contend there are already plenty of qualified people who line up to run for the office.