Hello, friends and neighbors. I would like to take this opportunity to speak directly with you, to clarify some recent news reports, and to share my vision for our city’s future. My goal is simple: to make sure you fully understand the facts, to restore your trust, and to inspire all of us to work together for the common good.\ First, let me address the headlines you may have seen. A recent article claimed that the City Council convened to vote on a generous pay raise for city council members—and to double the mayor’s salary. Those headlines were misleading. In truth, we held a preliminary discussion on how we might structure compensation fairly—if, and only if, we decide a change is warranted. No one on the council requested a raise. Our city attorney used comparative data from municipalities of similar size to establish a starting point: an average of $400 per council member per month. He began with a number, as attorneys often must, but he did not know our current pay, nor did he recommend a specific amount. That figure was simply a placeholder for OUR discussion. It is now up to us—your elected council—to sit down, negotiate among ourselves, and determine what we believe is fair.\ Why did this issue arise in the first place? Because serving on city boards and committees takes real time and effort. Right now one councilmember sits on three boards, another on two, and the mayor represents the city on every remaining board. I’ve asked each councilmember to let me know which boards they truly want to serve on—and so far I haven’t heard back. As mayor, I have the authority to appoint members where they fit best, but I believe that if you’re assigned to a board you don’t wish to join, attendance and engagement will suffer. To encourage active participation, my proposal was simply to offer an additional $25 per board meeting attended. This modest incentive recognizes that public service often competes with jobs, families, and other responsibilities.\ Some have said, “It’s our civic duty—no pay needed.” I agree that service is a noble responsibility. But if we expect all our volunteers to show up, to study agendas, to deliberate in good faith, we should not penalize them financially for missing work or caring for children. By offering an optional stipend, we reward dedication without obligating anyone to take it. In fact, council members may refuse any compensation if they so choose.\ Let me be crystal clear about the mayor’s salary: the current pay is $600 per month—never once has anyone suggested doubling it. What I proposed was a shift from a flat fee to an hourly working rate of $25. In other words, you get paid for the work you perform, up to a reasonable cap of 39 hours per week. If, on average, the mayor works 12 hours in a month, that equates to $300—half of what we pay today—for the same duties and more. Under this plan, the mayor would submit a detailed timesheet outlining the tasks completed each pay period. There is no guaranteed paycheck of 40 hours; you simply get compensated for the actual time you devote to city business.\ Why make this change? Because I believe in efficient, results-driven government. I don’t want to hire a City Manager or Administrator at $80,000–$100,000 per year when we can empower an engaged mayor to deliver results at less cost. Let me share a few concrete examples:\ • Playground Equipment: When I took office, our plan to replace outdated playground equipment had been on the books for three years—nothing happened. Within six months of me taking office, we signed a contract and set a build date.\ • Public Works Paving: I showed Council that we could acquire quality used paving equipment for $100,000. We took delivery of our first milling machine last week and expect the paver and two rollers within the next few weeks.\ • Police Department: Two years ago, I began drafting a plan for a local police force. I created a budget, wrote and was awarded a $225,000 grant for the PD. Have purchased 3 cars to assist in the start up and I assembled a committee of current and former law enforcement professionals, and we’re about to present our top two chief candidates for Council approval. I’ve logged over 1,500 hours researching, planning, and laying the groundwork. Tonight, we’re almost there.\ All of these successes reflect the ethos of a “working mayor”—not a ceremonial figurehead, but someone who rolls up their sleeves and gets things done. The hourly pay model reinforces accountability: you only get paid for hours worked, and we all have a vested interest in advancing projects that benefit every neighborhood.\ I understand that discussions about pay for public officials can feel uncomfortable. Nobody wants to appear greedy or out of touch. But honest, transparent conversation about compensation is healthy—and it ensures we recruit and retain dedicated leaders. My proposal is not about lining pockets; it’s about aligning incentives, promoting attendance, and delivering real progress for our community.\ Now, I invite you to engage. If you have questions or concerns, please come and talk to me. Let’s sit down in my office or over coffee and review the details together. I’m committed to full transparency. I want every taxpayer—and every resident—to feel confident that our city government is operating openly, efficiently, and with your best interests at heart.\ I ask you to remember why we serve. It’s not about headlines or a paycheck. It’s about building playgrounds where our children laugh. It’s about paving safe roads for our families. It’s about protecting our community with a professional, local police force. It’s about listening, planning, delivering—and then doing it all again.\ My promise to you is this: I will continue to safeguard our city’s resources, champion smart progress, and never lose sight of the trust you’ve placed in me. Together, we will keep moving forward, ensuring that our city once again becomes a place of opportunity, safety, and pride for every resident. Thank you. Let’s work side by side—for today, and for the generations to come.\ \ Bless us all,\ Mayor Charles Shupe
Contact Information
- Mayor Charles Shupe
- Address: 532 Carson, PO Box 468, Las Animas, CO 81054
- Phone: (719) 456-0806
- Fax: (719) 456-1210
- Email: mayor@lasanimas.city
Mayor’s Office
Mayor - Charles Shupe
- Email: mayor@lasanimas.city