IRON MOUNTAIN — A proposal to increase compensation for Iron Mountain City Council members that was narrowly defeated Aug. 6 is likely to be on the ballot again Nov. 5.

The council voted 5-0 Monday to present the same language to the Michigan attorney general’s office for review, hoping to meet the ballot deadline. Council members Ken Clawson and Mark Wickman were absent.

The proposal seeks a change in the city charter to raise council pay to $30 per meeting — up from the current $10 — but capped at $1,500 per year. The current cap, in place since 1985, is $500.

The charter amendment was defeated Aug. 6 by 22 votes — 565 no to 543 yes. Voter turnout was just under 17% and 42 voters apparently left the question blank, based on the election summary report.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the city’s proposal roughly equates to an inflationary increase, as $10 in 1985 has the buying power of about $29 today. However, there is no provision for automatic increases, so any future change would require another ballot proposal.

Mayor Dale Alessandrini said the main purpose of the change is to increase citizen interest in serving on the council, noting the time commitment is substantial. “I’d (actually) like to see people run against us,” he said.

Iron Mountain voters were last asked to approve higher council pay in November 2014, when a similar proposal was defeated, 1,543 no to 575 yes.

In November 2013, an increase to $40 per meeting had been proposed, at a maximum of $2,000 a year. Annual increases of no more than 2% tied to the Consumer Price Index were also included. That proposal was defeated 151 no to 73 yes.

Council member Pam Maule wondered Monday if an increase to $20 or $25 per meeting might fare better, but any such change would require submitting new ballot language for approval.

City Manager Jordan Stanchina noted voter turnout is expected to be much higher Nov. 5. The city might offer information ahead of the election on pay rates in other local municipalities.

In other action, the council:

≤ Approved an allocation of $3,500 to the Lake Antoine Association to aid its program to limit the growth of Eurasian watermilfoil. LAA Treasurer Steve Rigoni said the cost to treat affected areas is estimated at $15,000. Dickinson County’s typical contribution is $1,500, an amount Alessandrini said he’d like to see go up. Breitung Township this year gave $2,500.

≤ Authorized a $1,300 contract with Police One Academy to assist in meeting officer training mandates through online courses. Director of Police and Fire Services Jeff Solka said the department will also participate in Michigan’s in-person training opportunities as merited.