Community Voices Stall Austell Council Pay Raise Vote

Public Backlash Prompts Council to Delay Action After Controversial Tax Hike

The Austell City Council has postponed its controversial vote to raise the salaries of the mayor and councilmembers, following an intense public outcry during its recent meeting. What began as a routine agenda item quickly turned into a charged discussion about fairness, transparency, and timing—especially in the wake of the city’s recent 158% property tax increase.

The proposed salary adjustments—a $2,000 annual raise for Mayor Ollie Clemons and a $4,000 annual raise for councilmembers—were introduced by Councilman Devon Myrick. The motion came just weeks after the council approved a steep millage rate hike from 3.25 to 8.25 mills, effectively more than doubling the city’s property tax revenue.

Currently, the mayor earns $36,000 annually, along with a $1,000 monthly vehicle allowance. Councilmembers earn $14,400 annually. Austell has a small population of about 8,000 ressidents.

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

But Austell residents weren’t having it. More than 30 people attended the council meeting, with nine voicing opposition during public comments. Comments included concerns for senior citizens and financial struggles of Austell families. “Senior citizens didn’t get an increase. And you’re asking them to fund your salary and your 158% tax increase,” said former councilman David Traylor, sharply criticizing the proposal.

While some acknowledged the need for future salary adjustments, the overwhelming consensus was that this wasn’t the time.

A Heated Response from the Council

In a notably emotional moment, Councilman Myrick, the proposal’s sponsor, expressed frustration over the public backlash he said escalated into personal attacks. “My heart is weary to know that equality is still a problem here in the city of Austell and that evil and hatred still exists,” Myrick said, referencing online harassment and threats made against his family.

Myrick emphasized that his proposal was rooted in a desire for “fair pay” and transparency, not opportunism. Nonetheless, he ultimately made the motion to table the discussion, pending further deliberation.

“At this time, I would like to make a motion to table this because I heard a citizen come up to talk about transparency. I don’t mind being transparent about this, but what I was asking for was fair pay,” Myrick stated.

As of now, no future date has been set for the council to revisit the proposed raises. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss an unspecified employment matter, leaving citizens uncertain about when—or if—the issue will return to the agenda.

The conversation around compensation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility is likely to continue as residents await further action from their elected officials.

Stay tuned to our newsletter for continued coverage on this developing story and more updates from Austell City Council.