CYPRESS : Council Declines Annual Pay Raise
Council members unanimously rejected their annual raise this week, saying it would not be appropriate to boost their own salaries during the recession.
Under state law, the council is eligible to give itself a 5% pay hike each year. Currently, each of the five council members is paid $463 a month, plus $125 for expenses.
They are also allowed up to $80 a month if Redevelopment Agency matters are discussed during the council meetings, and because they are considered temporary employees, council members also qualify for the city’s medical benefits plan.
The 5% raise would have boosted their monthly salary to $486.
Councilman Walter K. Bowman asked that the issue be postponed until employee contract negotiations are completed. However, despite news that the city’s finances are back on track, Bowman and the other members, led by Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry, decided against the raise.
“All cities are suffering during these hard times,” Kerry said. “I believe it would be appropriate for the City Council to waive the raise.”
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