The Paducah Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night approved an ordinance amending the various sections of city code to provide compensation for voting members of certain boards.
The purpose of the amendment is to recognize the time, expertise, and service of citizen volunteers, encourage broader community participation, and support the recruitment and retention of qualified individuals to serve in these important roles.
Due to various reasons (e.g., state statute), not all boards are eligible to receive compensation.
Under the ordinance, compensation will begin January 1, 2026, with board chairs receiving $100 per meeting attended and all other voting members receiving $75 per meeting attended.
City staff members serving on or assisting boards in an official capacity, as well as ex-officio City Commission members, will not receive payment or reimbursement for meeting attendance.
Any board member may voluntarily decline all or part of their compensation at any time by providing written notice to the appropriate official. Payments made under this ordinance will be exempt from occupational taxes.
Currently, the city provides appointments to 32 boards with more than 200 appointed members.
The ordinance applies to several boards and commissions including the Board of Adjustment, Civic Beautification Board, Municipal Housing Commission, Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, Transit Authority Board, Paducah Riverfront Development Advisory Board, Paducah Creative and Cultural Council, Board of Ethics, Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes Appeals Board, Code Enforcement Board, Human Rights Commission, Brooks Stadium Commission, Civil Service Commission, Paducah Planning Commission, Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency, Commissioners of Waterworks, Tree Advisory Board, and the Historical and Architectural Review Commission.
