Virginia Beach government’s top earners get pay raises

[Desmond Milligan 0]

VIRGINIA BEACH — The City Council last week granted pay increases for five top city employees whom they appointed.

The city manager, attorney, clerk, real estate assessor and auditor were granted 3% raises. Virginia Beach’s budget for this fiscal year includes a 3% general pay increase for all other full-time city employees except sworn public safety officers. They are receiving a market salary adjustment.

Neighboring Chesapeake also recently provided pay increases to its five City Council-appointed employees, with some seeing a 10% increase in their annual salary.

Virginia Beach is the commonwealth’s most populated city. Here’s a breakdown of the bumps in pay for its handful of appointees:

City Manager Patrick Duhaney

Among his duties, Duhaney hires department heads, implements policy, develops the city’s annual budget, and adheres to council’s directives. He was hired in 2020. Duhaney’s annual salary of $313,962 increased to $323,380, and his car allowance remains at $9,000 annually. The city’s contribution to his deferred compensation account will equal 6% of his new salary.

Who makes the most in Hampton Roads? Breaking down salaries for 22,000 city employees

City Attorney Mark Stiles

Stiles represents the city in legal proceedings and drafts ordinances and contracts. He was appointed in 2009. His annual salary of $272,418 increased to $280,590, and his car allowance remains at $10,000 annually. The city’s contribution to his deferred compensation plan remains at $10,000 annually.

City Clerk Amanda Barnes

Barnes handles administrative needs for the council by recording and preserving its official actions and related records. She became city clerk in 2018. Her annual salary $134,185 increased to $138,210, and the city’s contribution to her deferred compensation account remains at $6,000 annually.

City Real Estate Assessor Sue Cunningham

Cunningham appraises real estate property across the city for annual reassessments. Those assessments are then used to determine the annual tax rate. She was appointed in 2022. Her annual salary of $157,145 increased to $161,859. Her car allowance remains at $6,000 annually.

City Auditor Lyndon Remias

Remias ensures tax dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively. He was appointed in 2008. His annual salary of $163,083 increased to $167,975. His car allowance remains at $6,000 annually.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, [email protected]

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