Local News in Brief : Job Created for Blount

Despite concerns that it might be setting a dangerous precedent, the Lomita City Council has authorized a new position at a higher salary for the city’s popular former sports coordinator.

The council split 3 to 2 Monday in creating the job for Cynthia L. Blount, who left her coaching and administrative duties at Lomita Park a month ago for a better-paying job as a UPS truck driver. In the newly created position of assistant recreation supervisor, Blount’s monthly salary will be $1,921. In her previous city job she was paid $1,634 a month. The new post is expected to have additional duties.

Blount, who said she was overwhelmed by the support she has received, told the council she was “honored, a little bit embarrassed, but mostly thankful to find that my years of service were appreciated.”

In recommending Blount’s temporary reclassification to a higher salary, Councilman Charles Belba said her interim status could become permanent after a city-wide salary survey next spring.

At the Oct. 19 council meeting, children and parents described Blount, an 11-year city employee, as the irreplaceable heart of Lomita’s athletic program.

Mayor Robert Hargrave and Councilman Hal Croyts voted against the reclassification. Hargrave said that to be fair to other employees the council might be “compelled to raise the entire salary structure of the city, and we may not be able to afford it.”