A 10-percent pay increase went into effect Nov. 1 for East Lansing City Council members. It's the first increase since 1999.

The increase comes from money in the general fund that is set aside for the city council.

Council members' salaries jumped from $6,600 annually to $7,260, and the mayor's pay increased from $7,700 to $8,470.

Council members and city officials have argued that it's a small amount in comparison to the number of hours members put toward the council each week. Typically, members average 20-30 hours a week on council matters.

The increase was approved by East Lansing's Elected Officers Compensation Commission, a group of local residents that decide when the council should receive an increase, and how much.

Council members can receive an increase every two years, but the commission decided against giving the council an increase in 2001 due to budget problems.

Mayor Mark Meadows said money set aside for council use made it possible for an increase this year, despite budget problems the city is facing.

"There's more than adequate money in the budget to handle any pay increase," Meadows said.

Council members had the option to reject the increase, but Meadows said the council didn't have a problem with it despite hard economic times, and a discussion on the topic was never requested.