The Langley City Council agreed on a new ordnance this week that sets a base salary for the mayor, yet allows an increase if necessary.

“When the mayor comes to us with a work plan, then salary and benefits can be raised,” said Councilman Robert Gilman.

Currently, Mayor Paul Samuelson receives $21,000 a year. But because he has assumed more responsibility and works longer hours, he has asked for a $10,000-per-year raise.

“In practice, Paul is pretty much a full-time mayor with an assistant,” Gilman explained. “His predecessor was strictly part-time with a full-time city administrator. Based on a similar ordnance in Coupeville, it allows salary flexibility that accurately reflects how the mayor’s office is organized.”

Gilman added that the new ruling can be adjusted in the future if a new mayor wants to be a part-timer.

Samuelson said the work plan he’ll submit will specify his duties and certain elements of realistic time-management.

“Right now, I’m working 50 hours a week and on the weekends when required,” he said. “This ruling offers a tool for the council to evaluate my performance and that of future mayors and adjust salaries accordingly.”