Annapolis Salary Review Commission proposes pay increases for mayor and city council members

The Annapolis City Council meeting on March 10, 2025, focused primarily on the recommendations from the 2025 Salary Review Commission regarding compensation for the mayor, city council members, and the city manager. The commission, which included representatives from six of the city's eight wards, presented its findings after thorough research and discussions.

Faye Curry, a member of the commission, highlighted the need for increased compensation, stating that current levels are too low and may deter qualified individuals from serving the city. The commission met six times and operated under the Maryland Open Meetings Act, ensuring transparency in their process.

The commission's key recommendations include a proposed salary of $120,000 per year for the mayor, with benefits remaining unchanged. For city council members, the commission suggested a phased increase in compensation, starting at $30,000 in the first year and reaching $38,000 by the third year. Additionally, they recommended providing each council member with a city-paid cell phone for official use and increasing their annual allowance to $3,000.

For the city manager, the commission proposed a salary range between $250,000 and $294,000 per year, emphasizing that the mayor should have the authority to set this salary, independent of the council's future salary review considerations.

The commission expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and hopes their recommendations will guide the council in addressing compensation issues. The discussions underscored the importance of attracting capable leaders to ensure the city's continued success.