LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Council has advanced three ordinances to the November ballot that would allow Lexington residents to vote on whether to increase compensation for council members, according to WUKY 91.3 FM.

The council gave its initial approval to the measures, setting the stage for a public referendum on the contentious issue of legislator pay. The specific details of the proposed salary increases were not immediately available, but the ordinances would give voters the final say on whether council members should receive higher compensation.

Pay for elected officials remains a politically sensitive issue in many jurisdictions. Council members have historically argued that adequate compensation is necessary to attract qualified candidates and allow members to focus on their legislative duties, while critics contend that the positions should remain part-time civic service roles.

The referral to voters allows the Lexington community to weigh in directly on the question rather than leaving the decision solely to council members. The November ballot measure will require voter approval before any salary changes could take effect.

This move comes as many municipalities nationwide grapple with questions about how to compensate elected officials fairly while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers.