WEIRTON — The pay for the next mayor and city council in Weirton could get a boost thanks to a proposal now before the current council.

Weirton Council members on Tuesday unanimously voted on the first reading of two ordinances establishing new salaries for the mayor and city council.

Under the proposals, which must pass a second reading, Weirton’s mayor would receive an annual salary of $12,760 plus an additional $75 for each informational workshop and special council meeting he attends. Fees for special meetings and workshops will not exceed $1,800 per year.

Meanwhile, if the ordinance is passed, council members would receive an annual salary of $8,700, plus $75 per workshop and special meeting (up to $1,800 per year).

While there was no discussion of the offer Tuesday night, officials explained some of the reasoning behind the increases last week.

“It’s basically $100 a month,” City Manager Mike Adams said at the city Finance Committee meeting on Nov. 7.

Adams said he made comparisons with other municipalities in West Virginia and made the offer based on current salaries for offices and population.

“I looked at a few different cities,” Adams said, noting Wheeling in particular. “It’s hard to turn apples into apples.”

Currently, the mayor receives $11,000 per year and council members receive $7,500 per year.

These rates were determined by a vote in November 2018 and came into force on July 1, 2019. Prior to this, the salaries of Weirton’s mayor and council were last increased in 1991, according to previous reports.

The proposed rates, if accepted, will come into force on January 1, when the new municipal administration takes office.

Under the terms of West Virginia Code 8-5-12, which governs the compensation of officers and employees, “Notwithstanding any provision of charter to the contrary, the governing body of every municipality shall fix or cause to be fixed by ordinance the salary or compensation of every municipal officer and employee: provided that the salary of any civil servant cannot be increased or decreased during his term of office.”

Council members Tim Connell, Chris Jonczak and Enzo Fracasso sponsored the ordinances.