Ex-Councilman May Have to Repay Stipends

Former Councilman James D. Petrikin may be ordered to return $6,500 in stipend payments and health benefits he received his last months in office.

Petrikin resigned May 5 amid allegations that he was violating state and local election codes by living outside the city. He signed his resignation letter, which cited health problems, 30 minutes before the City Council was to decide whether he should be removed from office.

City Atty. Alan R. Burns, who is researching the legality of a reimbursement request, will present recommendations to the council Tuesday in closed session.

Petrikin received a $500 stipend and $800 worth of benefits for each month in office. The council is considering going after payments from December to May.

Though there were questions about whether Petrikin lived outside Fountain Valley for a longer period, only the last five months are in question since he signed real estate papers in December declaring a ranch near Placerville his primary residence, Burns said.

Petrikin could not be reached for comment.

For their stipends, council members usually attend two public meetings a month, make public appearances, answer phone calls and letters, and serve on boards for utilities, transportation and other services. Each receives $500 monthly for his or her work, and health insurance is optional.

Before Petrikin resigned during his third term, he was convicted of drunk driving, missed about a dozen meetings and became the subject of a recall campaign.