Bloomington City Council approves pay increase to $25k annually

Bloomington, Indiana – The wage raise for city council members was authorized by the Bloomington City Council on Wednesday, although it was less than what was suggested during the council’s December 4 meeting.

Isak Nti Asare voted against the salaries, but the council members approved them in an 8-1 vote. The $21,153 that council members currently receive will be increased to $25,000.

Additionally, the salaries of the mayor and city clerk will be raised. The mayor’s salary will rise from $138,031 to $142,171, while the clerk’s will rise from $87,000 to $90,000.

The rises follow the reduction of a large increase that Councilmember Sydney Zulich had suggested. Bloomington’s city council members would have been the highest paid in Indiana under the original plan, earning $45,423 a year, more than $10,000 more than those in Indianapolis and Evansville.

The salaries of council members in Carmel and Fishers, which are $24,396 and $24,287 respectively, are significantly closer to the $25,000 Bloomington City Council members would receive in 2025, according to Councilmember Dave Rollo.

In addition to local opposition, Mayor Kerry Thomson pledged to veto the project. Thomson promised to veto any hikes that went above a three percent cost of living adjustment, according to Council President Isabel Piedmont-Smith.

During the Wednesday meeting, Asare was outspoken in his opposition to any wage increases, raising concerns about whether they would enhance the council’s work and services. Higher compensation, according to some council members, enables candidates from a wider range of backgrounds to run for office and devote more time to city business. Asare didn’t agree.

“Are you all implying that if we increase salaries, you will cease doing other things, those who are putting forward this position? And if so, what do you intend to give up to free up more time to serve on the council?” Asare said.

Piedmont-Smith claimed that since it depends on personal preferences, the question was irrelevant.

On January 8, the Bloomington City Council will meet again for an organizational meeting.