If the proposal makes it through committee and is voted into law, Ulster County legislators will receive pay increases ranging from 9.6% for the Legislature chairman, up to 12.5% for rank-and-file members. The majority and minority leaders would see an 11.1% pay bump.
In contrast, when the typical American citizen gets a raise, on average it is 3.8%.
In December, the Legislature approved allocating $57,520 within the county’s 2025 budget to support the salary increases. The vote passed with 13 in favor and 8 against.
The proposal to enact a salary raise was introduced by Legislator Jeff Collins of Woodstock. It’s set to be reviewed by legislative committees and could advance to a full vote later this month.
Why do the legislators need the money? Collins has argued that a bigger paycheck will attract more candidates for office. County residents are not exactly lining up around the block to enlist in public service.
Minority Leader Kevin Roberts has also expressed support, highlighting that although the role is considered part-time, the responsibilities often extend well beyond that.
The proposed 2025 raise follows a raise of between $2,000 and $3,500 for county legislators approved in 2023.
Opponents of the pay hikes have criticized the plan, pointing out that many county residents are already struggling with rising costs of living, such as food and housing, making the timing of the increases problematic.
The proposed changes would raise the annual pay for the 20 rank-and-file legislators by 12.5%, bringing it to $18,000 from the current $16,000. The salaries of the majority and minority leaders would increase to $20,000 from $18,000, reflecting an 11.1% hike. The Legislature chairman’s salary would rise by 9.6%, reaching $28,500 from the current $26,000.
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