The city's spokesperson first told Eyewitness News the increase would be for 3.2%. That's also what council member O'Donnell believed.
However, late Friday Wichita Public Information Officer Van Williams corrected the information saying the raise is actually for 2.3%. That's now less than the 2.5% hike for all other city employees this year.
Mayor Carl Brewer earns $82,654 and the six city council members are paid $34,866.
O'Donnell said he and Vice Mayor Janet Miller had declined the extra money.
"I just feel right now we need to lead by example," O'Donnell said, while urging the council to vote on the pay raises.
District 5 Representative Jeff Longwell said he believes the "small raise" is appropriate. In an email to Eyewitness News, he wrote:
"When we froze council pay a couple of years back we said we would not take any additional monies until our employees received raises. Our employees received raises this year.
I think if we want to make a statement for the organization the better example would be to take the small raise and give it to charity? I plan to take the raise and increase my charitable contributions."
District 3 Representative James Clendenin also planned to accept the raise, noting council members often have to spend money out of their own pocket to represent their constituents.
"This raise isn't just about us now it's about attracting good quality candidates for this position in the future," he said.
If no action is taken by the council, the pay raises take effect June 7.
Wichita City Council prepared to accept salary increase.
