Quincy council rescinds 2024 pay increases for mayor and council, removes automatic annual raises

The Quincy City Council on June 22 voted to delete a set of raises approved in 2024 and to remove a provision for automatic annual salary increases, saying the council will revisit compensation with public input and comparative data this fall.

The council approved an ordinance deleting the 2024 mayoral salary adjustment by an 8–1 roll‑call vote (Councilor Deona cast the lone no). The body then approved changes to the council‑salary ordinance and repealed a clause that would have tied elected officials’ pay to automatic annual increases, each moved out of committee and adopted by the full council.

Sponsors said the measures are intended as a bookkeeping step to restore the pre‑2024 baseline so the council can conduct a transparent, data‑driven review of compensation in September. Several councilors reiterated they are not arguing against appropriate pay for public service; rather, they said the prior process lacked sufficient public input and that future adjustments should be framed by comparables and clear methodology.

Solicitor Timmons told the council that restoring prior salary language is within the council’s authority and that the city clerk’s office had completed court‑ordered counts related to a ballot petition. Councilors acknowledged ongoing litigation and signature challenges in court but said the council’s actions tonight fell within its jurisdiction.

Councilors pressed for a timetable and agreed to return with comparative data and proposals for how a new base and cap could be set. Several members said the September session should include resident engagement before any new compensation policy is adopted.

The full council recorded roll‑call votes on the ordinances on the record; committee debate and recorded committee recommendations preceded the final actions.