>>Charlottesville Officials Vote in First Pay Raise in 28 Years
(Charlottesville, VA) -- Charlottesville City Council approves their own pay raise. Richard Stelling reports.Preview: Voicer Script:
Charlottesville city councilors voted to increase their salaries from $18,000 to $34,000, marking the first adjustment in 28 years to account for inflation. The raise, approved by a 4-1 vote, will also see the mayor's salary increase from $20,000 to $37,000. The decision aims to make the position more accessible to a wider range of candidates who may be deterred by financial constraints. The Daily Progress reports the increase, set to take effect after the next election, allows city councils to adjust salaries annually for inflation. The move has sparked debate among council members, with concerns raised about the impact on the city budget and the message it sends to taxpayers.