Lexington city council advances proposal to let voters decide on pay raise

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Lexington city council members advanced a proposal Tuesday to put a pay raise question on the November ballot.

A group of residents with CivicLex is recommending a pay increase of nearly $20,000. Council members currently earn $40,000.

The push for better pay comes from the city’s first civic assembly, where a randomly selected group of 36 residents gave recommendations to the council. Nearly 85% said council member compensation should rise with the Consumer Price Index. The group recommends council members be paid $59,987 starting in 2031.

Council members cite time demands

Lexington City Councilmember Emma Curtis, District 4, said the job requires significant time.

“This role generally demands 40 to 60 hours per week. Occasionally more. I don’t think any rational person would define that as part time, but that is currently the case,” Curtis said.

Curtis said a pay increase would allow council members to do the job without being independently wealthy and that the council should reflect more than just those who can afford to serve.

“I think without a diverse makeup on council that represents the people who live in our city who are at risk of being governed solely by the wealthy and privileged,” Curtis said.

Lexington City Councilmember Jennifer Reynolds, District 11, said she supports the initiative. Reynolds will be leaving the council at the end of the year, citing low pay.

“I believe it is for people to be public servants. I also believe that we want to make it available to everyone to be able to be an elected official,” Reynolds said.

A final council vote is expected later in the month. If approved, Lexington voters would decide the issue in November.

CivicLex also recommended the city review its charter every eight years. Council members said CivicLex’s work was done independently without their involvement.