The raise adds $50,750 to the current annual salary of $69,000. Councilmembers Nino Mangione and David Marks were the only members to vote against the measure.

The vote drew criticism from residents who said the increase was too large and questioned the process of elected officials approving their own pay. One taxpayer said residents work hard for their money and should have a say in how county funds are used. A server interviewed about the vote likened it to being able to ask a manager for a raise and called the council’s decision troubling.

Supporters said the demands on councilmembers have grown. Councilmember Izzy Patoka argued that expectations for quick responses have significantly increased the workload. One resident also said councilmembers should be compensated for their work as daily responsibilities become more difficult.

Mangione said he opposed the increase from the start and believed taxpayers had been let down by the council’s decision. He disputed Patoka’s argument and described the vote as partisan. He urged voters to consider how councilmembers voted when deciding whom to support in the November election.

The debate centers on both the compensation level and public accountability: residents who fund county government raised concerns about a substantial pay increase approved by the officials who will receive it. The new salaries are scheduled to begin after the election.