Hopkinsville City Council Approves Pay Raises for Next Term

Despite resident opposition, council members vote to increase their own salaries and the mayor's pay.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:47am

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Hopkinsville City Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance to raise pay for next year's council members and the mayor, despite opposition from some residents during public comments. The proposed raises would increase council member salaries by nearly $8,000 and the mayor's pay by $4,000, bringing Hopkinsville in line with average pay for similar positions across the state.

Why it matters

The pay raise vote has sparked debate in the community, with some residents arguing the increases are unnecessary and inappropriate, while others say the positions deserve higher compensation to attract qualified candidates. The outcome could impact future elections and the public's trust in local government.

The details

During Tuesday's council meeting, several residents voiced opposition to the pay raises, including former councilwoman Jamie Lienberger, who is running for a ward seat, and former school board member Tiffany Pittman, a ward candidate. However, councilmembers pointed out the pay study was commissioned last summer, with research conducted over the past six months. They say the recommendation is meant to align Hopkinsville with average state pay for similar roles, which state statute allows to reach up to $95,000 - the same as the mayor's salary.

  • The council approved the first reading of the pay raise ordinance on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • A second and final vote on the pay raises is expected in March 2026.

The players

Jamie Lienberger

A former Hopkinsville city councilwoman who is running for a ward seat and spoke out against the pay raises during public comments.

Tiffany Pittman

A former Hopkinsville school board member and candidate for a ward seat, who also voiced opposition to the pay raises during public comments.

Hopkinsville City Council

The city's legislative body that voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance to raise council member and mayoral salaries.

Hopkinsville Mayor

The city's chief executive, whose salary would increase by $4,000 under the proposed pay raises.

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What they’re saying

“The pay is not a deterrent to office seekers.”

— Tiffany Pittman, Ward 8 candidate

“The office does deserve a raise, but it should be in line with the public.”

— Joe Turner

“Why is the nearly $8,000 raise needed?”

— Mark Graham

What’s next

A second and final vote on the pay raises is expected to take place at the Hopkinsville City Council's March 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The Hopkinsville City Council's decision to raise their own and the mayor's salaries has sparked debate in the community, with some residents arguing the increases are unnecessary while others say the positions deserve higher pay. The outcome could impact future elections and public trust in local government.