Council Members Raise Their Pay

City Council members in Oceanside voted 4-1 Wednesday to give themselves a raise, boosting their salaries by $410 a month. Councilman Sam Williamson, who has said he believes it is inappropriate for an elected official to set his own salary, cast the dissenting vote.

The raise increases council members’ monthly salaries from $395 to $600. The officials also sit as the Community Development Commission, and their salaries in that capacity rose to $600 from $395 as well. In addition, the council members receive $100 to $200 monthly as directors of the Oceanside Small Craft Harbor District, and Larry Bagley is paid $50 a month extra as the city’s mayor.

The salary increase, which becomes effective in 30 days, is the first for the council since July, 1982.