Danville council approves ordinance authorizing modest pay increase for council

The Danville Town Council voted unanimously March 3 to approve Ordinance No. 22601, an amendment to the town code that adjusts council compensation under the state formula.

Rob Ewing, Danville city attorney, told the council state law sets a base salary related to city population and allows a maximum 5% increase per year that must be approved by the council and does not take effect until after the next municipal election. Ewing said the change would increase the monthly amount under the statutory formula and amount to an annual rise of a little more than $8,200 if fully applied.

Vice Mayor Robert Storr noted the practical impact of out-of-pocket expenses for members and said modest compensation can make it easier to attract younger candidates. Council discussion emphasized that the adjustment offsets personal costs associated with service but does not create immediate retroactive pay.

No members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing. Councilmember Mark Bellotts moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The council did not record a roll-call breakdown during the meeting; the city clerk noted an excused absence for Councilmember Karen Stepper earlier in the agenda.

The ordinance was introduced and approved at the meeting; Ewing reiterated that any pay changes would legally take effect only after the next municipal election, per state law.