Council members give themselves a pay hike
The raise, from $1,591 to $1,750 per month, is a 10 percent increase
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

Inside the consent calendar of last week's City Council agenda, a place where items are usually not discussed before being voted on, was a pay increase for council members.

The council was asked on Feb. 26 to approve a total increase of $7,600 to be taken from the 200809 general fund.

As background, the agenda report written by Connie Hickman, human resources director, explained that California allows a salary to be paid to council members according to city laws and based on the population of the city.

The municipal ordinance was amended so each council member will now get $1,750 per month, adjusted from $1,591 a month adopted in February 2006. The pay raise was 10 percent.

"I feel that items such as salary increases should be discussed separate and outside of the consent calendar because it is an important item," said Councilmember Claudia Bill-de la Peña.

She added that she historically votes against giving herself a raise. "I don't think that I as a council member should be any additional burden on the taxpayer, and for four years now I've been voting against giving myself a raise, and I will be doing so tonight," she said.

Before the salary increase was approved, 4-1, Councilmember Dennis Gillette had a response for Bill-de la Peña.

"Just as a reminder as a council colleague, it is certainly within her prerogative to not accept it," Gillette said.

He went on to explain the percentage of the increase was small and consistent with the other 10 cities in Ventura County.

"All of us are volunteers, we give of our time, efforts and energy, and this stipend I think is certainly within reason and acceptability in the course of operating this multimillion dollar municipal enterprise and the responsibility we take on when we do it," Gillette said.

According to Hickman's report, council members are compensated for the substantial time and effort they give in leading local government.

In addition to council meetings, they represent the city on regional and statewide boards, commissions and organizations, and participate in community events. They also meet with constituents.