LAGUNA BEACH
In a 3-2 vote, City Council members Tuesday opted not to give themselves a 50% raise.
The measure would have also given the same percentage raise to the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board and the Arts Commission.
“It shouldn’t cost people to serve on the council; and not just the City Council but the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board and the Arts Commission,” said Councilwoman Toni Iseman, who supported the raise.
Iseman said the monthly stipend isn’t a salary, but covers telephone and travel expenses for council members and commissioners.
“I don’t think anyone signs up to be on the council to make money,” Iseman said. Councilmen Steve Dicterow and Wayne Peterson and Mayor Kathleen Blackburn voted against the proposed raise, while Iseman and Councilman Paul Freeman voted for it.
“It just smells funny to give yourself a raise,” Dicterow said.
Council members now receive $300 per month. The raise would have given them $450 per month.
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