Bethlehem City Council discusses long-overdue salary increases for council members and mayor

In a recent City Council meeting held on March 5, 2025, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, council members engaged in a significant discussion regarding the compensation of elected officials, including council members, the city controller, and the mayor. This conversation comes after a prolonged period of stagnation in salaries, which have remained unchanged since 2009.

Councilwoman Wilhelm initiated the discussion by expressing her support for increasing compensation for council members, emphasizing that the current salary of $7,100 per year may deter qualified candidates from serving. She highlighted the extensive time commitment required for council duties, which often extend beyond 20 hours a week, making it challenging for individuals with other jobs or family responsibilities to participate. Wilhelm argued that a modest increase in salary would make the role more accessible to a broader range of constituents, thereby enhancing representation within the council.

The councilwoman acknowledged the discomfort surrounding the topic of salary adjustments, particularly since council members are responsible for voting on their own compensation. However, she clarified that any approved salary changes would not take effect until the next election cycle, meaning current members would not benefit from the proposed increases. This stipulation aims to alleviate concerns about self-serving motivations in the decision-making process.

During the meeting, Councilwoman Leon echoed Wilhelm's sentiments, stressing that the current compensation structure is cost-prohibitive for many potential candidates. She pointed out that the council should reflect the community it serves, which includes voices from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Leon suggested exploring options for regular adjustments to salaries, such as cost-of-living increases, to prevent future stagnation.

Legal considerations were also discussed, with the city solicitor explaining that Pennsylvania law restricts salary changes for elected officials during their terms. This means that any adjustments made now would only apply to newly elected or reelected officials in the future.

The council's deliberations reflect a growing recognition of the need to modernize compensation for public service roles, ensuring that they remain viable options for a diverse range of candidates. As the council prepares to vote on the proposed salary increases, the outcome could have lasting implications for the future of governance in Bethlehem, potentially paving the way for a more inclusive and representative city council.