Schulenburg Ends Consultant Pay for Councilman

Schulenburg City Council unanimously voted to discontinue payment to Alderman Douglas Behlen for consulting work at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The issue arose at the July 5 council meeting, when Alderman Arnold Stoever asked for information about a $1,625 invoice from Behlen for his consulting services. Behlen was absent for the meeting, so Council voted to withhold payment pending further information.

Then at the Aug. 1 Council meeting, Stoever again asked about the invoice. Behlen stated that the bill was for “council pay,” according to the minutes from the Aug. 1 meeting. Council voted 3-1 to pay the bill, with Stoever voting against and Behlen abstaining.

Behlen’s invoice stated that it was for “Consulting services, February 1, 2016 through June 28.” Schulenburg City Council members are currently paid $300 per month and $50 per meeting.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.