HAMPTON, Va. — City councils in two Hampton Roads cities are discussing giving themselves raises.
The discussion comes following a recently changed law that allows elected officials’ salaries to increase based on the size of the cities they serve.
Council members in both Portsmouth and Hampton are set to talk over the possibility next week. If councils go forward with the change, salaries will nearly double for mayors and city council members who serve part-time.
Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover said his current salary is capped at $25,000, with city council members making just short of that at $23,000. If the council moves forward with the pay increases, those salaries could be nearly doubled to $47,000 and $43,000 respectively.
Mayor Glover noted the city hasn't seen salary adjustments for elected officials since 1996.
"Costs have gone up. We’re asking our mayors and our council members to do more, to commit more time," Mayor Glover said.
Across the water, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck shared a similar sentiment as Mayor Glover.
“If you’re not doing it correctly, then yeah, it is part-time. But if you are doing it correctly, it really does involve a lot of time," Mayor Tuck said.
Mayor Tuck noted if approved, the pay boost won’t go into effect until next year. He supports the pay increase, although it won't impact him. Mayor Tuck will not be seeking re-election at the end of his term.
“Since there are elections in November, we’re actually voting on perhaps incoming council members’ salaries," Mayor Tuck said.
The topic has sparked debate on social media. One Portsmouth resident wrote on NextDoor, “Why pay them that much for a part-time job?” Another user wrote, “I don't think they should get a raise until improvements to our roads are done.”
But there are arguments on the other side of the debate, too.
“They are currently underpaid, and they deserve an increase," said Hampton resident Gregory Lawson.
“I get that they’re public servants, but [the current pay] does seem kind of low," said Hampton resident Jesse Hepburn.
Both cities will have public hearings on the matter. Portsmouth residents can speak at Tuesday night’s city council meeting starting at 7 p.m. Hampton residents can weigh in at Wednesday night’s meeting starting at 6:30 p.m.
13News Now reached out to other Hampton Roads cities to see if council members there are considering salary boosts.
A Virginia Beach city spokesperson said, in part "Virginia Beach City Council has not taken up the issue. A Norfolk city spokesperson similarly said, "Norfolk City Council passed an ordinance recently in order to comply with the updated state law; however, they did not increase their salaries at that time."
In Suffolk, a city spokesperson said the council has not yet been briefed on the issue. A Newport News city spokesperson said, "City Council is aware of the state-approved legislation (HB 456) regarding increased salary caps adjusted for inflation. Council is reviewing this option in conjunction with the city-wide compensation study.”
13News Now is still waiting to hear back from officials in Chesapeake.