DANVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — The Danville City Council voted 6-2 to approve a significant pay raise for the mayor and council members during its July 2 meeting.

This sets their salaries at the maximum allowed by a new state law.

The mayor’s salary will increase from $12,000 to $37,000 annually, while city council members’ salaries will rise from $10,000 to $34,000.

The current salaries have been in effect since 2014.

Council members J. Lee Vogler and Madison J. Whittle voted against the raise, while L.G. “Larry” Campbell, Jr. was absent.

Vice Mayor Dr. Gary P. Miller, who attended the meeting virtually, voted in favor.

“You just about have to,” Dr. Miller said during closing comments. “The council work has become… It’s not a full-time job, it’s a second job, and it takes up a lot of time, so I think it’s important if we want to attract good people to this position that we have at least a decent salary for that.”

No residents spoke for or against the pay raise during a public hearing.

The raise will take effect in July 2025.

Copyright 2024 by Romero Broadcasting System. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.