Langley expected to give mayor $10,000 raise

The Langley City Council is likely to approve a $10,000-a-year pay raise for Mayor Paul Samuelson tonight.

Samuelson has been on the job for less than a year.

The council is expected to approve the 2008 budget amendment during its regular city council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Before the issue goes to a vote, however, there will be a public hearing.

Most amendment items are related to increased fuel costs and similar expenses, but the big ticket item is a $10,000 pay raise for Samuelson.

The pay raise was initiated by city council members who are satisfied with Samuelson's hands-on approach since he took office in January, said councilman Robert Gilman.

If the increase is approved, the mayor's salary will have doubled within the past two years.

The pay raise would go into effect in early October.

According to the budget, the city paid the mayor $15,599 in 2006. In 2007, the council approved an increase to $21,000 a year. Then-councilman Samuelson voted for the increase.

If the budget amendment is approved, the mayor will get $10,000 a year in addition, for a total of $31,000.

Clerk/treasurer Debbie Mahler said the city can afford the raise because revenues have been stable.

"The city passed a property tax levy increase in November of 2005, so property tax revenue increased from 2006 on," Mahler said. "We have also experienced increased sales tax in the last few years."

Also during tonight's meeting, city council will discuss the 2009 budget that's expected to be finalized in December.

Contact South Whidbey Record Island Life Michaela Marx Wheatley at mmarxwheatley@southwhidbeyrecord.com or (360) 221-5300.

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