Despite some vocal opposition from residents, the Hinesville City Council voted Thursday to raise the mayor’s and council members’ salaries beginning in 2012. Per the city charter, the present council and mayor will not benefit from the salary increase, unless they are re-elected for another term. The mayor’s salary will be increased from $15,000 to $40,000 and the council members’ salaries from $7,500 to $20,000. Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas said the mayor’s job is a full-time position and said he works an average of 45 hours a week. Friday's Coastal Courier has a lot more details on this story.