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Manassas public hearing on council pay draws residents; council schedules decision for Sept. 8
Summary
A public hearing on a staff proposal to raise mayor and council salaries drew multiple speakers both for and against higher pay. After public comment and an unsuccessful motion to defer without a date certain, council voted to close the hearing and take up the matter at its Sept. 8 meeting.
City staff reviewed state code limits and regional salary comparisons for mayoral and council pay. The staff memo noted that for cities in the 35,000–75,000 population range the statutory maximums are $37,000 for mayor and $34,000 for council in the scenario described; staff presented comparable localities’ figures.
Public commenters split on the proposal. Gretchen Olmstead urged council to consider a raise, saying the job "is more than a half time job" and the increase would broaden the pool of potential public servants. Diane Lane opposed the ordinance as written and asked for a clear definition of expected hours and duties before adjusting compensation, noting comparisons of hourly equivalents for public safety staff. Helen Zurita urged council to delay any pay increase while local families face hardship; she said, "Half of you were at the Prince William Hunger Free event yesterday" and urged council to "have a heart." Several former and current residents and former council members called for moderation and transparency.
Council debated whether to schedule a date certain for action. Councilman Smith offered an amendment to close the hearing without selecting a date, but the amendment failed on roll call. The council then voted to close the public hearing and to consider the ordinance at the September 8 council meeting (motion carried on roll call). No salary ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the item will return to council on Sept. 8 for further action.
