The Santa Clarita City Council approved in a split-vote on Tuesday evening to increase the monthly salaries of council members.

In the 3 – 2 vote, members of the Santa Clarita City Council voted to increase their monthly salaries of $1,832.57 by 10 percent to $2,015.83; a difference of $183.26.

The item was presented to the city council on Oct. 27, 2015, where the council voted against a pay increase. However, the topic was raised again by Mayor Pro Tem Dante Acosta at the Dec. 8, 2015 meeting where it was re-agendized for further discussion at their meeting on Tuesday.

Santa Clarita City Council members approved a salary adjustment of five percent for calendar years 2015 and 2016, for a total of 10 percent.

“Members of the Santa Clarita City Council are compensated monthly by the city, under specific provisions of state law, for the substantial amount of time and effort they contribute,” said Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Striplin in a presentation.

In addition to participating in regular meetings, council members also participate in various community events, meet with constituents on issues of concern to residents and represent the city on regional and statewide boards, commissions and organizations, Striplin continued.

According to government code, councilmember salary is allowed to be increased up to five percent for “each calendar year from the effective date of the last adjustment to salary,” according to Tuesday’s agenda.

Councilwoman Marsha McLean, Councilwoman Laurene Weste and Acosta voted for the pay increase, while Mayor Bob Kellar and Councilman TimBen Boydston voted against.

Acosta previously voted against the pay increase the last time the item was brought before the council on Oct. 27, 2015. However, Weste, McLean, Kellar and Boydston’s views did not change.

“I believe I have heard (every current councilperson) say out loud ‘we do not do this because of the money,’” said Boydston. “If that is true, then why don’t we set a good example.”

Boydston suggested the city council take a pay cut by 10 percent and have the Santa Clarita City Manager redistribute the money to the senior population. Other members of the Santa Clarita City Council did not support the idea.

Cam Noltemeyer was the only public speaker on the agenda item and was opposed the increase, saying she “thought this was settled.”

Before Tuesday’s meeting, the last time councilmember salary was increased was on July 1, 2014, where it was increased to $1,832.57 per month.

The increase approved by the Santa Clarita City Council can not go into effect until after the November 2016 election results are certified by the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder and the Santa Clarita City Clerk, according to Tuesday’s agenda. The increase will take effect on the first full pay period calendar year 2017.