Last November, the City Council approved raising their salaries from $12,000 to $14,000 per year. This year, they wanted to see if they could lower their salary to help show solidarity with the city staff members who may be asked to forgo raises (or some other kind of salary concession) in order to help plug the city’s projected $10 million deficit.
But wouldn’t you know? State law prohibits it. “There is absolutely no action which the Council can take to achieve any change in the salaries of elected officials,” says the communication from Interim City Manager Henry Holling. At least, not until after the next election.
It’s funny how state law works. Sometimes, as in this case, it’s presented as immutable. Other times, it’s not so big of a hurdle — like when the City wants to change the rules as to who can serve on the council, or when the school district wants access to Public Building Commission bonding power so they can circumvent the voters. It’s mesmerizing how fast state law can be changed in certain circumstances, but not in others.
So take the salary and donate it back.
That is a very good idea! For example, if they would like to see the Muni band continue next summer, they donate that $2000 to them. They could each pick a part of the community they would like to remain and donate their $$$ to that. It keeps our community with the history and tradition and gives the councilperson a way to give back to the community.
I wonder what the penalty is for breaking that law?
The trouble is … I can name several members of the council who are NOT rolling in dough and their council salaries are an important part of their income. As much as these people infuriate me, there’s no doubt that many of them put in very long hours doing their jobs. It’s supposed to be part-time, but constituents demand full-time service. It’s real easy to point at someone and say “YOU take a pay cut so I can still get my raise.”
27th Amendment of US Constitution also applies
“I wonder what the penalty is for breaking that law?”
Commitment to an insane asylum?
I certainly hope Mr jacobs isnt using the city’s insurance and using his own from his business. I know a former councilman who loved that perk and didnt have to use his company to pay insurance for his family.