The newly elected Hopkinsville City Council members could see a sizable raise when they are sworn in in January 2027.
During the Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday night, Councilman Clayton Sumner motioned to increase council compensation.
click to download audioCurrent Council members make about $14,000 a year. He also moved to increase the mayor’s pay to the maximum of around $95,000 annually.
As part of the discussion on compensation, healthcare benefits were mentioned. City Human Relations Director, Kenny Grabara, says the city might be able to help without offering full health insurance plans.
click to download audioNo action was taken on the insurance discussion, but the Committee voted to forward the pay raises to City Council for a vote. The vote would amend the existing pay ordinance, which has to be done before May to take effect in January.
In related discussions, Sumner says he thinks the council is too big and members do not serve long enough. Chuck Crabtree suggested going from 12 council members to 6. The length of a city council member’s term is determined by the state legislature. This is likely a discussion that will occur at a future committee of the whole meeting.
