The City Council gave itself a pay raise Tuesday, but the raise won't
go into effect until December 2006 -- when city officials expect a
revenue boost.
State law prohibits an increase in council compensation until the
start of new terms by any of the council members. By December 2006,
after the next scheduled City Council election, Treasure Island Park
will be paid off and the city will be getting the full benefit of the
Montage bed tax.
Planning and Arts Commissioners and Design Review Board also will
get their stipends increased.
A general law city is permitted to increase compensation by up to
5% a year, slightly more than city employees have received, City
Manager Ken Frank said. The last time the council raised its pay was
July 1, 2002.
The approved increase raises the council members' monthly stipend
from $425 a month to $510 -- a 20% increase. Arts commissioners'
stipends will be raised from $60 to $70 a month. Planning
commissioners will get $110 a month and design board members will
receive $210 a month.
An ordinance was introduced to increase the stipends, which
requires a second reading.
