Council approves raise for county executive to $180,000 starting next term

The Anne Arundel County Council on June 2 approved Bill 49-25 to increase the county executive’s salary to $180,000 at the start of the next term, with annual $3,000 increases over the term. The measure passed by unanimous roll call, 7–0.

Ethan Hunt, speaking for the administration, explained the proposal and noted the current salary had not been raised since 2017 and that the legislation establishing the salary dates to 2014. “We believe that this level of $180,000 with $3,000 increases over the course each year over the course of the term is appropriate,” Hunt said, adding that inflation since the last adjustment is about 30 percent per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Councilmembers who discussed the bill cited the demanding, round-the-clock responsibilities of the county executive and the fact that the executive role prohibits outside employment. Councilmember Rabian said the job is “a 24/7 job” and supported the increase for that reason; Councilmember Volke said the county must “pay the going rate” to attract qualified candidates.

With no public testimony submitted and no amendments adopted, the council called the roll and passed the ordinance. The increase will take effect at the start of the next executive term.