Council Votes Itself Extra $250 a Month
Ojai politicians have voted themselves an extra $250 a month in compensation.
The City Council voted 3 to 2 Tuesday to pay each member a $250 unitemized monthly expense reimbursement, in addition to their $75 monthly salary.
More residents spoke in favor of the increase than against, Councilwoman Suza Francina said.
“I am thankful for the many people who feel that the Ojai City Council is deserving of this additional compensation,” she said. “This is just bringing the Ojai City Council into the 20th century--up to the same level of compensation as other small cities.”
But Councilwoman Nina Shelley, who voted against the increase along with Mayor Joe DeVito, believes residents will regard their community leaders differently from now on.
“I just don’t think it will be the same kind of regard,” she said, adding that future councils will find it easier to seek more money for their service.
Shelley plans to retire from the council in November after 16 years.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
