The mayor and members of the Wichita City Council received another increase in pay on Tuesday. It will go in effect Christmas Day.
Changes to Kansas and Wichita laws established in 2015 have permitted the City Council to approve its own raises each year, which are incorporated in the city's general salary policy.
According to data provided by a municipal official few hours after the legislation was enacted, Whipple's yearly pay will climb from $106k to $113k, as a result of the decision. The salary of the six council members will increase from $46k to $49k. They will receive a 4% cost-of-living rise, as well as a 2.5 percent merit boost, which will be paid to all salaried, non-union city employees.
Council members' annual salary have increased by 32 percent after the statutes were modified in 2015, from $37k to $49k. The mayor's pay has grown by 23 percent, from $87k to $113k. The amount of money that elected politicians can earn in the future is uncapped. City Council and mayor salaries will almost certainly continue to rise without a modification in the ordinance.