Overview
- Koch says he will submit an ordinance amendment cutting the previously approved $285,000 salary to $225,000 with 3% annual cost‑of‑living increases starting in January 2028.
- The original council-approved increase from about $159,000 to $285,000, plus a $7,200 travel allowance, had been deferred to the next mayoral term and drew extensive criticism.
- Petition organizers who fell short of the ballot threshold have sued in Norfolk Superior Court over rejected signatures; their proposal sought a $183,000 salary, 2% COLAs, and voter approval for future changes.
- The mayor states he currently earns $159,141 and has not decided whether to run again, arguing the role is underpaid compared with city managers and top local officials.
- City payroll data show more than 200 Quincy employees out-earned the mayor in 2024, including the police chief at $281,000, while comparisons note Boston’s mayor earns $207,000 with a raise to $250,000 approved for 2026; critics call the timing political before next week’s council elections.