A Corbin official is serving on a task force formed to review the compensation practices for the staff of the Kentucky League of Cities.

City Manager Bill Ed Cannon is among several people serving on the League's Compensation Task Force

The task force has been asked to review the compensation process for the League's about 80 full-time staff members, Cannon said. Task force members will also hire an executive director to replace Sylvia Lovely.

Earlier this year, Lovely announced her intention to retire at the end of 2009 following media reports that she was earning an annual salary that exceeded $300,000, according to Robin Cooper, the League's chief member services officer.

While Cannon praised Lovely's work, he said her salary was on the high end of the national average.

"I still think in this day and time it's still probably a little high," Cannon said.

In order to retain quality employees, Cannon said the League's salaries will need to be competitive, but he plans to push for performance-based pay.

The City of Corbin paid $2,075 to the League for its 2009 dues, Cannon said.

The League provides property, casualty and liability insurance to cities, as well as training for officials, police and fire fighters, Cannon said.

The League represents about 380 Kentucky cities, Cannon said.