The Newburgh City Council approved a significant salary increase for its members Monday night after a public hearing at City Hall. The measure, which amends the city charter to raise annual pay for the mayor and council members, passed with a 5-2 vote.

Mayor Torrance Harvey and Councilmembers Giselle Martinez, Omari Shakur, Robert McLymore, and Ramona Monteverde voted in favor of the raises. Councilmembers Robert Sklarz and Patty Sofokles opposed the measure.

The public hearing, held at City Hall at 83 Broadway, allowed residents to comment on the proposed changes to Section C4.00 of the City of Newburgh Charter. Under the previous terms, the mayor earned $15,000 annually, and council members received $12,000. All council positions are part-time.

Several residents expressed concerns about the magnitude and timing of the raises.

“It is proper that anybody who does a good job gets a raise,” resident Michele Basch said. “But corporate raises are typically 3 or 4 percent. I understand increasing the pay slightly, but a sudden raise like this does not look good for the council.”

With the approved changes, the mayor’s annual salary will increase to $22,500 — a 50% raise.

Councilmembers at-large will see their salaries rise to $20,000 annually, a 67% increase. The remaining councilmembers will earn $17,000, marking a 42% increase.

The raises come after a failed attempt last month to implement even larger salary hikes. The initial proposal, considered on Nov. 12, sought to increase the mayor’s pay to $25,000 and councilmembers’ pay to $22,500 and $20,000, respectively. That measure failed in a 4-3 vote, with Martinez, Monteverde, Sofokles, and Sklarz voting against it.

This is the first salary increase for the council since November 2020, when raises were approved with a 6-1 vote.

Some residents called for greater transparency and proposed alternative methods for adjusting pay.

“To avoid the appearance of wrongdoing, please let an election cycle pass before implementing any raises,” said former Council Member Genie Abrams. “It might also be wise to amend the charter to automatically adjust salaries annually based on the cost of living or inflation rates.”

Others supported the increases but emphasized the importance of clear communication about the council’s work.

“I see you out in the community and at school board meetings,” said Shadé Burks. “I support the raises, but people want transparency about what council members are doing with the money.”

Councilwoman Martinez addressed criticism during the meeting, highlighting the council’s commitment to serving the city.

“It’s heartbreaking when the narrative suggests we’re doing this for money,” Martinez said. “We care deeply about Newburgh, and we’ll continue to serve in the best capacity possible.”

The new salaries are set to take effect Jan. 24, 2025, following a 45-day period during which residents may file a petition for a permissive referendum. The law also requires filing with the New York State Secretary of State.