With the proposed 2021 budget, the councilmembers would see an increase in their pay if passed.
Members receive an annual $9,000 salary. The budget proposes an increase to $12,000 a year. The mayor would also see an increase from $9,000 to $15,000. This pay would be dealt in equal monthly installments.
Councilmember Anthony Grice took to Facebook to include his opinion on the pay raise.
He said, “The council has not had an increase [in pay] since 1994. Every council in New York can legally vote for a pay increase, and have.”
Grice continued by saying “If my record does not warrant a pay raise, people shouldn’t elect me ever again. If people think they can do better they should run.”
“If you think there is someone there that does not deserve a pay raise, do not vote them in again on the next election,” said Grice. “Further, think about the pay that the next person you elect will be getting. If he or she is not worthy of it, in your opinion, vote for someone you think is.”
According to Grice, the pay raises will only account for .048 percent of the budget at $24,000, which “still puts us below what all other part time elected officials in New York are making.”
The part time council member positions are set at 12 hours per week. However, councilman Grice said “it’s easily a 40 hour work week after counting meetings, responses and other things.”
On the same Facebook post, residents were split regarding the pay increase expressing either their concerns or their support.
“They deserve it,” said Facebook user Dani Raqi. “They should get the increase. If you knew all the work that they do behind what you don’t see, you would understand why this increase is necessary.”
Others made comments like “they are not doing anything to get it,” and “we need more cops not raises for politicians.”
“If you haven’t seen the time and passion that the members of the Newburgh City Council and the Mayor put in for a fraction of what the council members and supervisors are paid in the surrounding towns you have no right to comment or criticize on what is a fair and just compensation for these individuals,” said resident Erik Indzonka. “Even if you doubled their pay they wouldn’t make a fraction of what they are making in New Windsor and the town of Newburgh, who by the way, would never suggest - no less vote on - term limits.”