Local News

Fort Wayne Councilman raises questions with State Rep over Mayor’s salary

(Kayla Blakeslee/WOWO News )

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A fight over money could brewing between a Fort Wayne City Councilman and Mayor Tom Henry.

In a letter provided to WOWO News, Councilman Jason Arp is asking State Representative Christopher Judy to try and get the state’s General Assembly to make a change to the state’s rules that currently block city councils from reducing the salaries of elected officials.

In his letter, Arp says Mayor Tom Henry is paid more than $128,000, which is 28.5% higher than the average salaries of mayors in Indianapolis, South Bend, and Evansville.

Arp says the “dramatic” difference between Fort Wayne and the other cities shouldn’t exist.

City Spokesman John Perlich released a statement questioning the motives of Arp’s letter, saying he blindsided the City with the request.

Read both Arp’s letter and Perlich’s response below.

CityElectedOfficalSalary_StateCode by Saige Driver on Scribd

The City of Fort Wayne was not contacted in advance of this information being supplied to elected officials and the media. Mayor Henry’s Administration is committed to being transparent with members of City Council and the media. At a time when our community is experiencing positive momentum and investments like never before, we’re not sure of the motives behind this letter. The mayor’s salary sets the overall framework for salaries in city government. It’s our duty to hire and retain the best talent possible to serve taxpayers and meet the needs of a growing community. It’s one of the reasons why we continue to receive national recognition as a best-run city.

John Perlich
City of Fort Wayne Spokesman

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