Prop 425 to increase Yuma mayor and councilmember compensation

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's been 40 years since the salary for councilmembers has been adjusted and about 30 years for the mayor in Yuma and Prop 425 would change that.

"I think we should have more flexibility and more opportunity for a variety people to run for office," said Doug Nicholls, Mayor of Yuma.

Nicholls says it's more than the money adding, "This is about valuing people's time, but also not just for today, but for the future."

Nicholls also mentioned that Yuma has the third lowest compensation for mayor and council positions out of the 25 largest cities in Arizona.

Should the proposition pass, public servant wages in Yuma would still fall below average.

"It's about keeping our city up to date, making sure we are keeping pace," Nicholls expressed.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for mayors in Arizona is about $54,000 and the national that average is $66,000. 

In contrast, Nicolls yearly salary is $12,000 and it would bump to $45,000 a year. City council members currently recieve $3,600 and if the proposition passes, that number would swell to $25,000.  

Local community members share their thoughts on the potential raises, with one member saying they should see an increase in their salary.

"Yeah, why not? Good jobs need good pay...while he's out there doing something," said Roger Darland, a community member.

However, not everyone agrees. Maria Perez says she would like to see change in the community before a raise in their pay.

"Instead of getting more money, they have to work more for us for the people because we are the ones paying them and they do nothing," Perez explained.

The money would be coming from the already operating budget and will be able to absorb the increase in wages.

Early voting has already started and voters have until Election Day, November 5, to drop off their ballots.