HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Future members of the Hopkinsville City Council will see a slight pay bump after weeks of back-and-forth discussions have resulted in a 3% salary increase.
A dozen residents previously spoke to councilmembers on Feb. 17 in opposition of the proposed 57% raise that was on the table. The initial proposed ordinance would have increased the annual part-time salary of city councilmembers from $14,000 to $22,000.
However, the second reading did not pass last month as councilmembers pivoted, amending the ordinance to instead permit a 3% raise as suggested by Councilmember Chuck Crabtree. This change would increase the council’s annual, part-time salary to just over $15,600.
Due to the amendment, another vote was required to approve the new raise. During the second and final vote at the March 3 meeting, there was no discussion among councilmembers before the vote. Councilmember Clayton Sumner was previously vocal about raising their salary to $22,000, having first proposed it during a Committee of the Whole meeting before it moved forward.
Councilmember Don Marsh, Clayton Sumner, and Michael Velez voted against the raises during Tuesday’s meeting. Councilmember Vance Smith, Travis Martin, Jason Bell, Amy Craig, Brittanie Bogard, Brandi Stallons, Chuck Crabtree, Elizabeth Draude voting in favor of the 3% raise.
Councilmember Seth Meek was absent for the vote with Mayor J.R. Knight also not in attendance.
The salary change will take effect after the 2026 election and will be implemented when next term councilmembers are instated.
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