Salary Increases Approved For Manassas Mayor, City Council; Mayor Shares Opposition

MANASSAS, VA — Salary increases are on the way for Manassas City Council and the mayor after 4-2 approval by City Council on Monday. However, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger indicated she would not take the increased salary amount.

The vote came after a July 28 public hearing on the salary increases. The approval will increase salaries from $20,000 to $37,000 for the mayor and $18,000 to $34,000 for City Council members. The amount is slightly less than the $42,000 for the mayor and $40,000 for City Council members originally proposed.

The new salaries will be effective July 1, 2027. Under state law, salary increases can only go into effect July 1 after the next general election. The increases would impact at least several elected officials before the next election. Three City Council seats will be up for election next in 2026, while the mayor and three remaining City Council seats will be up for election next in 2028.

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe made the motion, which got support from all council members except Theresa Coates Ellis and Ralph Smith. Davis-Younger did not get a vote, as the mayor does not vote on budgetary matters.

Davis-Younger voiced opposition to salary increases for the elected officials, noting many families in the community are struggling to meet basic needs. She also noted uncertainty with the city's financial position when the increases take effect in 2027.

"I know how much time and energy everyone on this council puts into serving our city," said Davis-Younger. "They all regularly step up for the residents, attending events and meetings often beyond the call of duty. Our city's council is already among the highest paid in the region by population, and I do not feel it is justified to increase it at this moment."

Davis-Younger said she would work with staff to return the increased salary amount.

Coates Ellis said a 2 to 3 percent cost of living adjustment would be more reasonable for the elected officials.

"We all do work hard, but when you're looking at the actual position, we are part time," said Coates Ellis. "It's supposed to be a service of the community. It's not a career path to anything else."

Councilmember Ashley Hutson said authority provided by the Virginia General Assembly does not allow for ongoing annual cost of living adjustments. According to Virginia law, a city with a population between 35,000 and 74,999 can set a maximum salary of $37,000 for mayor and $34,000 for City Council. Salary increases of up to 5 percent for inflation can be approved but must follow the public hearing and ordinance process required under Virginia law.

"As the newest member of City Council, I can assure you that I also did not run for the money," said Hutson. "But what I have found since being elected is that if you are going to be dedicated and do this position to the best of your ability, it is definitely time consuming and in some ways costly to support the many, many things that we're asked to do."

Smith noted he asked the City Council to delay consideration at the July public hearing.

"We have no idea what's ahead of us," said Smith. "We do know we will not be getting any supplemental money from the federal government for this next crisis."

Councilmember Tom Osina said a higher salary "isn't about getting rich" but allowing more people to participate in public service.

"A higher salary encourages a broader, more diverse pool of candidates, which enables more residents such as working parents, young professionals and others with limited income to serve," said Osina. "That means a more representative council that reflects the city's makeup."

Council Sonia Vasquez Luna agreed, noting residents with another job may not always be able to run for office or come to City Hall as needed.

"You shouldn't have to be a business owner, have to be a retiree, You shouldn't have to have a position in order to represent your constituents," said Vasquez Luna.

Let us know what you think of the salary increases in our poll. Feel free to leave comments within the poll.