South Jordan to explore pay raises, 401(k) match for mayor, council

South Jordan City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to explore raising the salaries of and starting a 401(k) match program for the mayor and city council members.

South Jordan councilman Chuck Newton said the measure has more to do with pay inequality than simple self-interest.

In 2011, the Utah State Legislature cut all municipal retirement programs for newly elected officials, but current city council members were grandfathered in.

"To the best of my knowledge, what we're looking to do is create a pay compensation committee to review the uneven pay," Newton said.

For South Jordan's council, who make about $9,000 annually, it means there will be a 15 to 16 percent pay difference next year between longer-term council members and new ones.

"Is that fair? I don't think that's what the taxpayers wanted," Newton said. "The only other way I can see to get rid of that would be to get rid of all the grandfathered members in an election."

City sources confirm that the proposed action would be largely focused on mayor and council rather than city staff.

"The city council's request was voted on awhile ago and they voted it down, so this is just reintroducing it," said Ryan Loose, South Jordan assistant city attorney.

The meeting will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday at South Jordan City Hall.

djsummers@sltrib.com

Twitter: djsummersmma