Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo has announced the creation of the Elected Official Compensation Review Advisory Committee, a citizen-led body that will study and recommend pay levels for the city’s elected leaders.
The five-member group, established under Section 4-1(C) of the Ithaca City Code, will evaluate compensation for the offices of Mayor and Common Council Alderperson. The committee will review job duties, living wage standards, workload expectations, and compare Ithaca’s pay structure to peer municipalities across New York. Public input will also play a role in shaping the recommendations.
“Decisions about elected official compensation should never be made behind closed doors or based solely on self-interest,” Cantelmo said in announcing the committee. “By bringing in a diverse, community-driven committee to study this issue, we can build public trust, align with best practices, and ensure fair, transparent outcomes.”
Members of the committee include Kate de la Garza of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Adam Hart of the Tompkins County Workers Center, and Megan Vidler of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. Alderpersons Patrick Kuehl and Pierre Saint-Perez will serve as non-voting ex-officio members.
The committee is expected to deliver a written report with its findings and recommendations to the Mayor and Common Council.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here.
