By Casey Nolen
Valley Park, MO (KSDK) - Some of the people running the City of Valley Park say they shouldn't be paid, at all.
People are talking in Valley Park about a proposal you don't often hear.
The mayor and some of the aldermen want the city to stop paying them for their part-time positions. Eight aldermen are each paid just under $5,000 a year and the mayor just under $10,000.
The mayor says the only pay should be the satisfaction of service.
The board split on the vote to approve the measure Tuesday night and decided to send the idea to a legislative committee for clarification.
Some worry qualified candidates may not apply without pay, others think that's exactly what those currently in power want.
"To think that there is an altruistic motive behind this, I'm sorry. I will not buy it," said resident Anita Albright. "I want someone who is going to be committed to the city. And I don't think there is anything wrong with being compensated for that."
"We're here for the residents, to do a job for the residents. There should be any ulterior motives. We're here to serve them, to provide for them," said Mayor Nathan Grellner.
As for what the city would do with the savings, the mayor says the city's budget is in good shape. He and some of the aldermen would like to see the money go to hiring a full time parks director to improve some of the city's parks.
The issue now goes to that legislative committee where it could be changed or it could die there as well.
KSDK