TOWSON, Md. — In a tense 5–2 vote on Monday night, the Baltimore County Council approved a sweeping salary increase for its members and the County Executive, overriding public pushback and direct opposition from the council’s two lone dissenting Republicans.
Councilmen Nino Mangione and David Marks stood alone in voting “no” against the measure, which will raise council members’ base pay from $69,000 to $119,750—a roughly 74% jump—and the Council Chair’s salary to $129,750. A companion bill increasing the County Executive’s pay from $192,000 to $240,000 also passed along the same party lines. The changes will take effect in December 2026 as the council expands from seven to nine seats.
Following the vote, the rift quickly spillover into the campaign trail as Mangione drew a sharp line between his vote and the political positions of his upcoming election rival.
Immediately following the passage of the bill, Councilman Nino Mangione took to social media to blast the majority vote and draw a direct contrast with his Democratic opponent, Shawn McIntosh, heading into the general election.
“I voted against the 74% pay raise for the County Council on Monday night. It was wrong. I stood for you and every taxpayer in Baltimore County. We have more pressing needs than a 74% pay raise for politicians,”Mangione wrote.
“We need more police, firefighters, and other public safety officers. We need to fix our potholes and secure our bridges. We do not have the funds for these critical needs, and we can’t afford higher taxes. I said no. I stood and fought for you. Politicians like my opponent, Shawn McIntosh, supported the raise. They are wrong too! We lost this battle, but I will always fight for your interests. This job is about public service.”
Mangione’s campaign messaging frames the vote as a defining test of fiscal stewardship, centering his platform on frontline municipal staffing, road repairs, and tax relief over government expansion.
While Mangione turned the spotlight onto public safety funding and campaign rivalries, Councilman David Marks focused his objection on the long-term character of local government.
Marks maintained that transforming the council into a heavily compensated, full-time career role risks separating elected officials from everyday working experience:
“I believe the council has benefited from being a part-time legislature where members must have another job that gives them experience in another field,” Marks stated regarding his vote.
Supporters of the bill maintain that higher compensation is required by the workload and brings salaries in line with recommendations from the County Compensation Advisory Commission to attract a wider pool of candidates.
However, with residents facing rising living expenses and tight municipal budgets, the 5–2 approval provides a clear divide. By casting the only opposing votes, Mangione and Marks have positioned themselves as defenders of the taxpayer—a dynamic sure to resonate through upcoming debates on how county tax dollars should be spent.
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