Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners are poised to raise the mayor's salary beginning in 2016 by 2.5 percent annually.

The raise is a bit more from the 1-percent pay hike the mayor's post received for the current term.

Commissioners President Linda Snyder said at Monday's workshop meeting the board may vote on the mayor's salary next Monday, pending legal clarification. The vote is for the office, not the person, and would be paid to whomever serves as mayor from 2016 through 2019.

"I could support 2.5 percent," Snyder said as the discussion of setting the mayor's pay received support from the seven-member legislative body.

Snyder added the raise is in line with her support a few years back when secretaries were scheduled to receive a smaller pay boost.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr.'s salary is set at $85,301 for 2015. The highest salaried position in the township is that of Police Chief Linda Kulp at $98,110.

The mayor's salary is required to be set for the new term in February.

Snyder confirmed the commissioners are paid $4,125 annually, the maximum legally allowed.

The Allentown mayor's post is set at $95,000; Bethlehem, $90,000; and Easton, $80,000.

Commissioner Clair Hunsberger questioned, "Why didn't we do it when we worked on the budget?"

Commissioner Thomas Slonaker replied the mayor's salary was not part of the 2015 budget process.

Hunsberger fired back at Slonaker, "Why are you trying to correct me?"

Commissioner Vice President Philip Ginder said the mayor should receive 2 percent or 2.5 percent. He said the position was not granted the pay raises for the current term, but rather 1 percent over four years because of the recession.

"I think it's fair," Snyder said of the proposed 2.5-percent pay boost for each of the four years starting in 2016.

Her colleagues agreed.