Plainfield council debate over mayor and council pay draws heavy public comment; first‑reading motions advance

A contentious discussion about proposed increases to City of Plainfield elected officials' pay dominated the latter portion of the meeting, drawing sustained public comment and questions from residents who said such increases should be subjected to a ballot vote or preceded by an evaluation of elected officials' workloads.

Council introduced multiple ordinances on first reading that, if advanced, would change compensation schedules: MC2025‑46 (mayor salary; first reading adopted), MC2025‑47 (council member salary; first reading adopted). Several residents and callers urged the council to put pay increases before voters or to produce metrics showing why the increase is justified. Speakers cited local economic pressures and optics of elected officials voting to increase their own pay.

Council President Hockaday defended the measure as an effort to professionalize council service and cited an average New Jersey council salary of about $37,000. He acknowledged the optics of large increases and said he moderated an earlier 100% proposal to a lower increase and that individual council members can decline or return compensation if they choose. Council members clarified that ordinance language and exact amounts would remain subject to subsequent readings and public review.

The meeting record included multiple public assertions and admonitions about procedure and public notice; the matter remains subject to the normal ordinance process, including additional readings and public comment before any salary changes take effect.