Manassas council approves new mayor and council salaries after debate; measure passes 4‑2

The Manassas City Council voted Sept. 8 to revise elected‑official compensation, approving an ordinance that sets councilmember pay at $34,000 annually and sets the mayor’s pay at $37,000; the change is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027 (the first July after the next general election cycle).

The salary question returned to council after an advertised public hearing on July 28 and a staff memorandum that presented two advertised options: keep the mayor at $20,000 while raising council salaries to either $34,000 (version 2) or $40,000 (version 1 as advertised). At the Sept. 8 meeting Vice Mayor Wolf moved an amendment to adopt the $34,000/$37,000 figures and Councilmember Vasquez Luna seconded the motion.

During the debate Mayor Michelle Davis Younger said she opposed any increase at this time and noted that the mayor does not vote on budget items and typically only breaks ties. Councilmember Ellis and Councilmember Ralph Smith also spoke against the increase, citing concerns about timing and the community’s financial stresses. Councilmembers Hudson, Ocina and Vasquez Luna spoke in favor, saying higher pay can broaden the candidate pool and help make the part‑time office accessible to residents who are not independently wealthy or retired.

Roll call on the motion recorded four yes votes (Vice Mayor Wolf, Councilmembers Hudson, Ocina and Vasquez Luna) and two no votes (Councilmembers Ellis and Ralph Smith); the motion carried 4‑2. Council staff noted that the new compensation level will apply to the first July after the next regular general election (effective 2027‑07‑01). The mayor said she had asked that any future increases for the mayoral salary be removed from the proposal; the ordinance the council approved sets the mayor at the higher $37,000 figure per the prevailing motion.