The Princeton City Council has moved forward to boost council members’ annual salaries even higher than the increase approved on second reading last week, starting in 2027.
On Thursday, April 23, the Council approved on second reading, raising the mayor’s annual base salary to approximately $51,440 and increasing City Council members’ yearly compensation to just over $3,931, or about $327 per month.
At another special-called meeting on Tuesday night, the Council considered an ordinance to set City Council members’ annual salary at $7,800, or $650 per month. Mayor Brock Thomas explained the reasoning behind the proposed increase.
Councilwoman Pat George questioned how the proposed increase was determined.
click to download audioCouncilwoman Sheila Gates noted it would be difficult to determine an accurate figure from past years and expressed concern about doubling the salary for the next Council.
click to download audioCouncilman Brian Conger said he felt that raising the monthly pay from $327 to $650 all at once is “quite a bit.”
Councilman Carl Copeland pointed out that the salary is not a council member’s primary source of income.
click to download audioThomas noted that Councilman Jim Joiner has earned $300 a month throughout his 27-year tenure and deserves to make more. He added that he couldn’t pay the council members what they are truly worth.
During further discussion, Gates suggested increasing the salary to somewhere between $400 and $450 a month.
After the 14 minutes of discussion, a motion was made and seconded to amend the ordinance, setting the council members’ salary at $450 a month, or $5,400 annually. Once sponsored, City Clerk Julie Poole introduced the first reading.
The second reading of the amended ordinance is scheduled for the next City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. this Monday.
Related Story: Princeton City Council Finalizes Mayor, Council Pay Hike Starting 2027
Related Story: Princeton Council Advances Significant Pay Increase for Mayor Position in 2027
