Reimbursement Can Total $10,992 Annually

Torrance City Council members often note that their $1,200 annual base pay is poor compensation for the time they spend on the job, but they also receive other wages and perks that are rarely mentioned.

For instance, current council members--except for Mayor Katy Geissert--are cashing out $3,000 annually in “routine local expense” reimbursements without having to submit receipts. The practice has been going on for at least 18 years, according to city officials.

The two newest members on the council--Maureen O’Donnell and Don Lee--are also cashing out the full amount.

Although a city resolution states that council members shall be reimbursed for the largely undefined expenses, the elected officials have each been receiving their maximum amount in such funds in regular payments of $250 a month, city records show.

City Manager LeRoy Jackson said there appears to be nothing improper about cashing out the reimbursement. He said the practice was approved long ago by the city attorney’s office.

But Geissert, who as mayor could receive up to $4,200 annually in local expense money, has shunned the full allowance, calling it a personal decision that she was “more comfortable with.” She has billed the city as little as $21 a month for her expenses. Nevertheless, Geissert defended the council members who have accepted the entire allotment.

“This is a losing business, being a council member,” Geissert said.

Council members, in addition to getting the expense money, are also provided a $5,352 annual car allowance and up to $120 a month for attending Redevelopment Agency meetings, boosting their monetary compensation to as much as $10,992 each.