Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon (D) said Thursday she'll donate her controversial pay raise to charity and urged other city officials to do the same.

"After much thought, I decided to donate my cost of living adjustment to a local charity that is helping the less fortunate in Baltimore," Dixon said in a statement.

Dixon came under fire Wednesday when The Baltimore Sun reported Dixon had received a pay raise of $3,700 without discussion at a Nov. 26 Board of Estimates meeting.

Wednesday, the mayor's office told PolitickerMD.com that pay raises are increased by 2.5% each year automatically and that Dixon believed she deserved the slight cost of living increase.

Angry Republicans and constituents blasted Dixon, calling the increases inappropriate amid ongoing budget concerns. Several council members, who also received pay raises, told the Sun on Thursday they would be donating their salaries to charity, putting Dixon in an awkward political position.

Dixon is yet to announce a specific recipient of her pay increase.