(WEAU) La Crosse- The next mayor in La Crosse may have a pay cut, if the voters decide in April to appoint a new city administrator.

The Common Council approved on Thursday to reduce the mayor’s annual pay by half after Spring election in 2013.

It’s no secret that the mayor doesn’t like the idea of having a City Administrator.

“If we simply give broad authority to a non elected position in hopes that will smooth things out, I don’t think that is a good thing for the city,”
said Mayor Harter.

Council members want to cut it from 77 thousand (without benifits), down to 38 thousand.

Harter isn’t saying whether he will veto the cut or not, but he did say he will get involved if the vote passes in April.

“I don’t think this is a big issue for the city right now. This is most appropriately discussed following the election in April," said Mayor Harter.

City Council Alderman Chris Olson believes a city administrator will help ties between the council and mayors office.

“We hear from the citizens of la Crosse, and they see a mass of confusion between the council and the mayor. What we are trying to do is fix that,” said Olson.

The cut to the mayors salary will help fund the city administrator. Which is a position that some city council members believe would be more filled by a more qualified official than an elected official.

“A City Administrator, they have the education, and the experience. The mayor won by popularity vote, and doesn’t necessarily have the education or experience to run the city,” said Olson.

“It makes sense because the responsibility of the mayor will not be as demanding as they are currently,” said Audrey Kader, President of City Council.

Kader believes the suggested new salary will be sufficient.

“Even the suggested 30 thousand is still not a bad situation,” said Kader.