Commission approves 2.5 percent pay hike for Detroit council

Months after Detroit emerged from federal bankruptcy protection, a commission voted Monday to recommend a 2.5 percent pay increase to City Council members and the city clerk next year.

The Detroit Elected Officials Compensation Commission unanimously approved the increases at a meeting Monday evening. The raises take effect July 1, 2016, unless two-thirds of the City Council votes to block them.

It comes after Council President Brenda Jones and City Clerk Janice Winfrey requested raises. 

The decision means that annual pay for council members and City Clerk Janice Winfrey will go from $76,840 to $78,761.

Council President Brenda Jones also get sa raise from $80,757 to $82,776.

This decision comes less than 6 months after Detroit emerged from Bankruptcy. 

Mayor Mike Duggan didn't request a raise, and his annual pay will remain about $166,000.

When asked after the decision, Council President Brenda Jones chose not to comment.