Mayor Cantelmo establishes Citizen Advisory Committee to review elected official compensation

Mayor Robert Cantelmo last week announced the creation of the Elected Official Compensation Review Advisory Committee, an independent, citizen-led body charged with reviewing and recommending appropriate compensation levels for the offices of Common Council Alderperson and the Mayor.

The Committee, established under Section 4-1(C) of the Ithaca City Code, will evaluate current pay structures for Ithaca’s elected officials, compare them against job duties and requirements, living wage standards, and analyze compensation practices in peer municipalities across New York State. The Committee will also weigh workload expectations and incorporate public input to ensure its recommendations reflect community values.

“Decisions about elected official compensation should never be made behind closed doors or based solely on self-interest,” said Mayor Cantelmo. “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.”

The Committee will include five members representing a range of professional and community perspectives:

• Alderperson Patrick Kuehl (Chair, ex-officio, non-voting)
• Alderperson Pierre Saint-Perez (ex-officio, non-voting)
• Kate de la Garza, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services
• Adam Hart, Tompkins County Workers Center
• Megan Vidler, Downtown Ithaca Alliance

The group is tasked with issuing a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Mayor and Common Council.

“Compensation for elected officials is about more than a paycheck,” added Cantelmo. “It’s about accountability, accessibility, and ensuring that public service is open to residents from all walks of life. I look forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations and engaging with the community around their work.”

The Advisory Committee will hold at least one public hearing before completing its report, providing Ithacans with the opportunity to share their views directly.

If you have any questions, you can contact Melody Faraday, Public Information Specialist, at 607-274-6571 or mfaraday@cityofithaca.org.