The Oxford Board of Aldermen has voted against a salary increase this year for aldermen and the mayor.

The Oxford Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/LvhKhM) that currently aldermen earn $14,000 a year and the mayor’s salary is $72,800.

A local ordinance provides that aldermen, one year before an election year, can form a committee to examine whether to grant aldermen and the mayor a raise.

“I think I’m fairly paid,” Mayor Pat Patterson told board members this past week. “But I don’t think people should do your job (aldermen) for what you’re paid.”

Alderman Janice Antonow said she felt there was no need for a committee to be formed.

“This isn’t something we have to do,” she said. “It says we can, but we do not have to. The next board can do it if they wish.”

Patterson had suggested a study to determine where Oxford stands in comparison to other similarly sized cities as far as salaries for local leaders.

“It’s a good way to compare,” he said.

However, aldermen unanimously voted against looking at the salary issue.