Langley’s next mayor will make $55,000 a year.

The city council approved the higher salary from the city’s base $30,000 salary, which is in the Langley Municipal Code. As part of the adjustment, the council also voted for a $2,000 salary increase based on past cost of living adjustments that other city staff received for the past four years.

“I don’t think $55,000 is enough,” Councilwoman Rene Neff said.

Councilman Jim Sundberg said he supported the increase and keeping the salary higher than the base $30,000 because it ensured a high quality of candidate who would work full time. He was joined in support by Councilman Bruce Allen, who praised Mayor Fred McCarthy’s work schedule and accomplishments since taking the office in February 2013.

“I don’t think we would’ve gotten a lot of things done that we got done if we didn’t have a full-time mayor,” Allen said.

Will Collins, a Langley resident, spoke in favor of the increase as well to attract someone who can run the city and provide for a family.

“If we want to move into the 21st century, we need to look at the mayor’s position as a professional,” he said.