IRON MOUNTAIN — Election workers in Iron Mountain will see a pay increase, their first since 2019, under a new scale approved by the city council.

The highest new wage will be $18 per hour for chairpersons, up from the current $15. E-poll book operators will receive $17 per hour while election inspectors will receive $16 per hour, both up from $13.50.

Each election has three chairs, three E-poll operators and about 10 inspectors, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.

“The goal of the increased compensation is retain staff and compensate for the complexity of running an election,” said Isaac Micheau, clerk-treasurer.

The council’s approval came Monday in a 4-1 vote, with council member Mark Wickman voting no. Council members Pam Maule and Cathy Tomassoni were absent.

Wickman said he’s not against a fair wage but suggested waiting until there’s a problem recruiting staff before offering higher pay. Some civic-minded people are willing do the important work regardless of the compensation, he said.

Micheau provided the rates paid by neighboring municipalities, ranging from a high of $24.24 to $18.88 per hour for positions in Breitung Township to a low of $16 to $14 in Norway, where food is provided.

Stanchina said the approved increase may add about $750 to a typical election cost.

In the Aug. 6 primary election, city voters will be asked to approve a pay increase for council members. They now receive the same as in 1985. The council learned Monday that ballot language for the proposal was approved by the state.

If the change in the city charter is approved, council member pay will rise to $30 per meeting — up from the current $10 — but capped at $1,500 per year. The current cap is $500.

The council, in other business, scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. Monday, May 20, on the proposed 2024-25 fiscal year budget. A final copy will be available a week before the hearing.