When it came to raising their salaries, the San Diego City Council voted Monday, April 3, the only way they could ” no on any increase for 2006.
The Salary Setting Commission recommended in January the council receive no raise this year, considering the current fiscal and political climate. The council can’t give themselves a raise unless it is recommended by the commission, whose volunteer members are appointed by the Civil Service Commission.
In the 8-0 vote, the council took no action on the commission’s recommendation they get a 25 percent increase in pay, starting in July 2007, since that would have to be approved in 2007. The commission’s chairperson, Deb Pedersdotter, told the council their vote "looks good for 90 seconds," but if they vote next year to veto a raise, their action would be "selfish" to upcoming councilmembers not yet in office.
Pedersdotter, an attorney, said the council needs "talented people who want the job." She said many people don’t run for office because it might be a decrease in their current income. The council currently makes $75,386 annually, except for Council President Scott Peters, who makes approximately $71,000 after he turned down the last raise in 2002.
The mayor’s salary now is $100,464, but Mayor Jerry Sanders has decided not to accept most of it because he is receiving an annual pension of approximately $80,000 as a 26-year employee of the city as a police officer and former police chief.
Councilmember Jim Madaffer said, "I really think we need to find the best and brightest" people to serve on the City Council and indicated he might favor a raise next year. Madaffer said he wanted Pedersdotter to appear before the city’s Rules Committee for further discussions.
Pedersdotter noted that many of the councilmembers’ aides make more money than they do.
"I appreciate the work you are doing, which is thankless," said Councilmember Donna Frye to Pedersdotter.
"You’ve been courageous. Your group is courageous," said Councilmember Ben Hueso.
The commission meets every two years and was created in the late 1970s after there was an uproar over the council giving themselves a pay raise.
The commission turned down a motion in January to give the mayor more money because the job is more demanding under the strong mayor form of government that went into effect on Jan. 1.