BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council on Monday proposed a salary for the mayor to go into effect after the next election. The $800 per month/$9,600 per year salary will be the first offered in Berlin’s short six-year history. Neither Mayor Patrick Bates nor any council member has received any salary in that time, although the Town does offer reimbursement for certain expenses related to the officials’ duties. The councilmen also proposed that they remain unpaid, seeming to take pride in their volunteer status.
“You get paid, and nobody else does,” said Councilman Tony Duke to Bates. “Come election next time, going into it, you ain’t getting paid unless you’re the mayor.”
The council also voted to accept a bid for the sale of the Berlin Farmers Market structure located in front of Berlin Town Hall. Local resident Steve Clark offered the only sealed bid, in the amount of $500, which was opened during the meeting. He will have until Jan. 10, 2025, to dismantle and remove the structure from the property. The council plans to build a new and improved market structure at the site as part of an overall development that will include a playground, walking paths and bathrooms. According to Bates, a request for bids for the new farmers market building will be sent out this week, overseen by St. John & Associates.
The Berlin Town Council meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Berlin Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.
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