Mineola Village Board members voted to give themselves a 61 percent raise, leaving many residents crying foul.

Starting June 1, Mayor Jack Martins' salary will go from $18,000 to $29,000. The four trustees? salaries will increase from $9,000 to $14,500. They will also qualify for full credit for a state pension.

Village officials stress it?s the first pay hike for the part-time board members in 16 years. News 12 Long Island was unable to reach Martins for comment, but a statement from the village attorney said the higher salaries are "well-deserved." The attorney cites board accomplishments like reducing village debt, reassessing properties to lower taxes for residents and growth and transportation projects.

Still, the Mineola Civic Association's Bill Urianek says it's just bad timing.

"With the economy and all the taxes that we are being hit with, to take over a 60 percent raise, in my opinion, is going a little overboard,? Urianek says.

Mineola resident Frank Syracuse agrees. "I think they?re entitled to a raise, yes, but not a big one," he says.

Paul Cusato was the only trustee to vote against the pay raises.