By Leann Schenke

DOVER — Going forward, whoever serves as president of City Council will continue to earn higher pay than other council members do.

During a Monday business meeting, council unanimously approved a motion to increase the president’s pay. No specific amount was stated, though Councilman Ralph Taylor suggested a $3,000 to $5,000 increase above what other members are compensated.

The move comes after a Nov. 9 Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee meeting, during which the group approved a review of the competitiveness of city employees’ salaries and increasing the council members’ pay to $18,000 a year.

That increase has not been formally approved by City Council. It was up for a vote during Monday’s meeting, but Councilman Taylor asked that it be removed from the agenda pending further discussion. That request for a delay was accepted, with Council President Roy Sudler the only person dissenting.

During the Nov. 9 meeting, there was no discussion of increasing the council president’s compensation to more than $18,000 a year. Currently, each member earns $7,416 a year, and the council president earns $8,652 annually. Those amounts have not changed in 20 years.

“It appears that the $18,000 that was discussed is a fair number that the council members can agree upon, and it appears that our constituents can agree upon it, as well,” Councilman Taylor said.

He suggested that, if a blanket increase to $18,000 for all council members is approved, compensation for the president should be more, citing the time commitment and expectations attached to the role.

“I’m not lobbying for Council President Sudler. I’m lobbying for the position as a whole,” Councilman Taylor said. “I do not believe that (the president) position — that demands so much time — should receive the $18,000. I believe there should be an additional, an increase for the president’s position.”