Higgins' mayoral office salaries soar in early months

• The news of increased salaries, reported by the Coconut Grove Spotlight, also comes as the city commission weighs a proposal for a $450 million bond to fund a new public safety headquarters.

Between the lines: The more than $2 million in annual salaries in the Office of the Mayor does not include Higgins' compensation.

• Higgins' office did not respond to Axios' requests for comment.

The intrigue: The team is structured around a more "senior-heavy leadership model," per the Spotlight, featuring several senior advisers and counselors, and a smaller group of assistants and aides.

By the numbers: Salaries range from $60,000 as an aide to the mayor to $250,000 for the chief of staff, according to records obtained by the outlet.

• Three senior advisers earn $180,000, while one earns $200,000.
• Five assistants to the mayor earn between $80,000 and $115,000.
• The communications coordinator earns $70,000, while aides to the mayor and the executive assistant earn between $60,000 and $70,000.