By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
At the June 20 Great Bend City Council meeting,
councilmember Lindsey Krom-Craven asked if there were possible incentives available
to get more residents interested in serving on the city council.
In June, Krom-Craven suggested incentives that the city already funds such as
swim passes to the pool and memberships to a gym. At Tuesday’s meeting,
Krom-Craven recommended a monetary incentive.
"After several discussions with Mayor Cody Schmidt, City Administrator Kendal Francis and myself, the only thing that was determined to be a fair value, because our council is blessed with being diverse in ages, was a meeting allowance," said Krom-Craven.
The five-member Barton County Commission has paid board members. The
eight-member Great Bend City Council, plus a mayor, are unpaid positions. Generally, the county commission has seen more interest in candidates filing for office.
Great Bend City Councilmember Alan Moeder said he would refuse any payment and would be concerned residents would run for office for the money and not the
care of the city.
Councilmember Natalie Towns said it’s a shame that more people don’t run for
office, and Jolene Biggs said the city has to be financially responsible when
considering paying eight board members and potentially a mayor.
"I do think there is an issue with people not wanting to run for office," said Towns.
"I don't think it has anything to do with money though," responded Biggs. "I don't think we can give enough of a financial stipend that is going to entice people to run. That's my personal opinion."
The council agreed to discuss the possibility of paying councilmembers at a
future work session.