Chick Files Papers to Forgo Pay Raise

Fulfilling a promise to accept no pay increases during tight fiscal times, San Fernando Valley Councilwoman Laura Chick filed a waiver Tuesday to forgo a 5% pay increase that is set to take effect Jan. 1.

Other council members have said they will do the same, but Chick was the first to file papers.

At the request of Chick and Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky, the City Council voted last month to reject the salary increase but allow each council member the last word on what to do with the money.

For instance, Councilman Hal Bernson said he would like to see his salary increase go to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Division, which is within his district.

The waiver filed by Chick through City Controller Rick Tuttle puts the 5% salary increase, or $4,534 annually, in the city’s general fund, where it can be spent at the council’s discretion.

Chick is the first council member to file the waiver. The deadline for the remaining council members is Dec. 31.

The salaries are scheduled to increase in January because of an ethics package adopted by voters in 1990, which ties the pay of elected officials to that of Municipal Court judges. Those judges, in turn, will receive a pay increase won by state employees in bargaining.