In the past, Moody City Council members were not paid for their services. 

When the new members join the council on Tuesday, they will be compensated $400 a month, but some council members can elect not to receive their pay.

The City Council recently approved an ordinance allowing a council member the option to defer the compensation and direct it to a specified fund.

“This was brought to me by a council member who wanted to give money back to the community,” Moody Mayor Joe Lee said. “The money will go into a special account in the name of the council seat, and when they want it to be spent on something, they will go before the council and present it.”

The idea was suggested to Lee by an anonymous council member. Lee said the member wanted to give back to the community financially and the idea was formed. Working with Moody City Attorney James Hill the ordinance was drafted and unanimously approved.

The ordinance requires the money be spent on items or services legally authorized for the expenditure, including schools, parks and recreation, the Miracle League and more.

“I think this is an honorable thing, for a council member to want to give back, it’s a gift from the council member to the community. They can choose a special cause to give to that they feel strongly about,” Lee said. “It really shows a commitment to the community, to sit in the council seat and then give their compensation right back to the community.”