The city’s new budget makes a $12,000 adjustment in Mayor Wayne Welch’s salary.
The $12,000 is not an increase, but a decrease.
And, the salary reduction: from $18,000 to $6,000 annually was done at Welch's request.
Welch, 70, who sat as an Alderman for 24 years and has served as Mayor for nine years, is now eligible to draw upon his state retirement.
Mississippi state employment regulations prevent him from drawing his retirement while earning at the $18,000 level, but he can receive those proceeds if his income is pegged at $6,000.
“The difference to me in my income when its done this way is just a few dollars,” said Welch, “and, I just thought it would be a good way to save the city some money.”
Each of the five Aldermen will continue to be paid at the rate of $400 monthly.
The $12,000 that Union won’t be paying Welch is about 20% more than the city will get from the 2019 budget’s 1-mill tax increase.
