Botucatu City Council proposes seat expansion and 82% salary hike

The Botucatu City Council is considering significant structural and financial changes to its legislative body. Proposed measures include increasing the number of council members from 11 to 17 and implementing substantial salary hikes.

Resolution Project No. 6/2026 proposes raising monthly salaries for council members from R$ 5,813.97 to R$ 10,600, an increase of approximately 82%. The President of the Council would see a salary increase from R$ 7,399.60 to R$ 13,600. Additionally, the project introduces a 13th-month salary benefit. These changes are slated to take effect during the 2029–2032 legislature.

Simultaneously, Amendment to the Organic Law No. 4/2026 seeks to expand the council to 17 seats. Proponents argue the expansion is necessary to reflect Botucatu's population of approximately 150,000, noting that federal law allows municipalities of this size to have up to 19 representatives. The proposal also includes changes to the organization of the Board of Directors, allowing for the reelection of the 1st and 2nd Secretaries. If both measures pass, the financial impact on the municipality is expected to be significant.