Bethlehem City Council members' salaries increase in 2026

Starting in 2026, newly elected or re-elected members of the Bethlehem City Council will receive a pay raise. However, the current mayor and city controller will not see an increase in their salaries. On Tuesday, the City Council approved a salary hike for its members. Their annual pay will go from $7,100 to $10,650, while the council president's salary will rise from $7,600 to $11,400. The vote was close, with a 4-3 decision favoring the increase. Council members Kiera Wilhelm, Hillary Kwiatek, Michael Colon, and Colleen Laird supported the raise, while Bryan Callahan, Rachel Leon, and Grace Crampsie Smith opposed it. The raises will only apply to council members elected in 2026, so current members will not benefit. Council member Wilhelm introduced the raise to attract more candidates to the council. She believes the current pay is too low and a barrier for potential candidates. Wilhelm is not seeking re-election and will finish her term in 2025. There were also proposals for raises for the mayor and controller. The mayor's salary would increase from $90,500 to $98,000, and the controller's from $49,000 to $56,000. However, both the mayor and controller opposed these raises. Mayor J. William Reynolds has indicated he would veto any salary increase for himself. Controller George Yasso, who is running unopposed for another term, said accepting a raise would be a conflict of interest. Despite rejecting the proposed raises for the mayor and controller, City Council members plan to revisit the issue next year. Both officials are not expected to benefit from raises if approved in the following year, as they will be leaving office after their next terms. Council member Laird expressed her intention to discuss the raises again soon.