OCEAN CITY — An increase in the salaries of the Mayor and Council inched closer to becoming a reality this week with the approval of an ordinance on first reading.
Throughout the last year or so, the Mayor and Council and staff have been discussing an increase in their annual salaries, which had not been raised since 1989. The catalyst for the proposed increase was a belief in the increased workload for the Mayor and Council couple with the assumption the enhanced salaries could attract more candidates for the town’s elected positions. For example, just four candidates vied for three open council seats and the mayor ran unopposed during the municipal election earlier this month.
The sitting council when the issue was largely discussed earlier this year decided the proposed salary increases should be put before the voters during the November 8 municipal election in the form of ballot questions and not simply decided by themselves through the ordinance process.
For the mayor’s position, the proposed salary would increase from the current $20,000 per year to $30,000 per year, representing a roughly 67% increase. The councilperson salary would increase from the current $10,000 to $20,000, representing an increase of 100%, while the council president’s salary would be set at $23,000 because of the added time commitment and responsibilities.
During the Nov. 8 election, the town’s voters solidly approved the proposed salary hikes for the elected officials. A total of 1,223 votes were cast in favor of increasing the mayor’s salary, while 823 were opposed. Similarly, 1,210 voted to increase the council and council president salary, while 845 were opposed.
With all the other obstacles, challenges, issues and concerns with City Hall – this is nothing.
Next time can we go with Coca-Cola rather than Pepsi? So tired of the sweetness of Pepsi. There is no Pep in Pepsi.
It is the weaker of the 2 drinks regardless of the deal obtained. I dont want our City anymore weaker than it is. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH
Why would they NOT? What percentage of registered voters actually voted for the current crop of virtually unopposed incumbents and seat holders? Nobody voted for them and they get to vote themselves raises.
There are plenty that voted against them that pay taxes we are just not the majority and don’t count, they pander to the college students and their rich friends and especially the slum lords who make more $ kissing their butts.