City officials in St. George approved salary increases for themselves last week for the first time in more than 20 years.
The St. George Spectrum reports the change will increase the mayor’s salary from $30,000 a year to $50,000, and the city council members from $12,000 to $20,000.
City Manager Adam Lenhard said the increase brings the city closer in line with other Utah municipalities of the same size and makes city office more attractive to prospective leaders.
St. George has followed the model typical of smaller cities and maintains part-time positions for its mayor and city council, despite the fact the city’s population has more than doubled in the past 22 years.
The council voted unanimously to pass the measure, which includes additional pieces of compensation such as full benefits as allowed to other city employees.