Austell Council to Meet Today; Pay Raise Debate to Continue After 158% Tax Hike

The Austell City Council concluded their last meeting with a robust debate over proposed pay raises for the mayor and council members. The council will reconvene today, Monday, August 4, at 7 p.m. at the Threadmill Complex, where many expect the discussion to continue.

Councilman Devon Myrick initially proposed increasing Mayor Ollie Clemons’ salary from $36,000 to $38,000 and raising the council members’ pay from $14,400 to $18,400. He cited rising inflation, salary comparisons in neighboring cities, and the need to attract qualified leaders as key reasons for the increase. Myrick emphasized that council salaries have remained unchanged for over a decade despite growing living costs.

According to Myrick, salaries in other Cobb County cities stand at:

• Smyrna: $37,500 for mayor, $25,500 for council
• Mableton: $30,000 for mayor, $20,000 for council
• Acworth: $27,500 for mayor, $18,000 for council
• Marietta: $25,200 for mayor, $18,900 for council
• Powder Springs: $21,000 for mayor, $18,000 for council
• Kennesaw: $19,200 for mayor, $12,000 for council

The proposal comes shortly after the council approved a highly unpopular 158% property tax increase in a 5-1 vote, despite strong opposition from many residents. The hike will add roughly $595 annually for a home valued at $299,000. Mayor Clemons defended the increase, stating it is essential to stabilize city finances and retain employees.

Councilman Marlin Lamar opposed the pay raise, citing Austell’s small population of about 8,000 and expressing concerns about poor optics following the recent tax increase. Myrick countered that council members perform the same duties regardless of city size and said the tax hike was overdue.

No vote was taken on the pay raise at the last meeting. The council will revisit the issue during tonight’s meeting at the Threadmill Complex.