Mayor Butler vetoes council pay increase after previously approved ordinance, citing financial risks

Mayor Angeline Butler on May 5 issued a veto of a council-approved ordinance that would have increased compensation for the mayor and council members, drawing on past precedent and current financial concerns to justify the action.

Background

Council considered an ordinance increasing the mayor’s annual salary from approximately $23,040.16 to $34,560.24 and councilmember compensation from about $14,436.44 to $21,600.54, with the pay change advertised in local newspapers and scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Council action and mayoral veto

Council moved to adopt the ordinance and recorded votes on the motion during the regular session; some council members voted in favor while one member registered an abstention. After the council action, Mayor Butler exercised her veto authority under the city charter, issuing an extended written statement on the record explaining her reasons.

Why the mayor vetoed the ordinance

Mayor Butler said the veto reflected three core concerns: that raising elected-official pay amid uncertain finances and rising costs would be premature; that previous guidance and a 2018 veto prioritized employees and city stability before officials’ compensation; and that the city faces inflationary pressures, rising insurance premiums, potential litigation and expensive capital projects that could require budget cuts. She noted the city’s progress since 2018, including revenue growth and property value increases, but said current and near‑term fiscal risks require restraint.

What happens next

Under the city charter, a mayoral veto returns the ordinance to the council for reconsideration. Butler said her veto did not foreclose future discussion of compensation once the city’s financial outlook stabilizes but indicated the timing was not appropriate.

Speakers quoted in this article are those who addressed the ordinance or the veto on the record; they are listed in the speakers section.