St. Lawrence County lawmakers advance proposed pay raises in split vote

The St. Lawrence County Legislature’s Finance Committee advanced a resolution to increase pay for county lawmakers and legislative leaders in a 9-5 vote Oct. 26. Legislator Goodrich abstained, and the full board is scheduled to consider the measure Nov. 2, according to the county’s 2026 meeting schedule.

The proposal would raise annual pay for legislators from $12,000 to $15,000. Committee chairs would receive $16,000 instead of $12,000, the vice chair would receive $17,000 instead of $14,000, and the chair would receive $20,000 instead of $17,000.

The resolution also calls for 3% annual increases in 2028, 2029 and 2030. If approved, the initial increases would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, at the start of the next term.

Legislator Glenn Webster, R-District 11, voted against the measure. Legislator John Burke, R-District 12, raised questions about the cost to taxpayers. The proposal is sponsored by Legislator Lightfoot and co-sponsored by Legislators Rick Perkins and Nicole Terminelli.

The proposed increase would be the county’s first legislator pay raise since 2019. For comparison, lawmakers in Jefferson County are paid $17,000, while Franklin County board members receive $20,000.

The full St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators is expected to vote on the resolution at its Nov. 2 meeting.