10-26-92 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Member Puzzello voiced concern with regard to percentage increases and noted that this was the same concern she voiced during the non-bargaining Salary. Ordinance discussions. Council Member Coleman stated that a decision on salaries for elected officials was an "in house decision" . He suggested that there be no increase during the term of office. He stated that the City of South Bend has the highest paid Council in the State of Indiana and that this would be a symbolic message to the public. Council Member Ladewski voiced support for Council Member Coleman's suggestion, however questioned whether it should apply just to the Common Council. Council Member Slavinskas stated that three (3) years ago he recommended a policy of no increases during the Council term in office. He stated that the Council is well compensated and that these are not full time positions. He further stated that the Council position should not be the sole source of income for Council Members. He voiced opposition against a middle of the term increase, especially since the Council holds the purse strings. Council Member Puzzello stated that she had not heard of this proposal before. She stated the the Council proposal is small over the term of four (4) years and believes that it is reasonable. She stated that she would support the Bill as originally proposed. Council Member Washington noted that over this four (4) year period the Mayor would receive an increase of $4 , 246. 00, the Clerk's salary would increase by $2 , 300. 00, and the Council 's salary would increase by $930. 00. He stated that there is a considerable amount of time put in by the Council Members and that he does not believe that a $930. 00 raise over a four (4) year period is unreasonable. He further stated that he knows for a fact based on discussions with Council Members from East Chicago that in addition to their base salary, that they receive an additional amount per meeting to attend Council Meetings. He further stated that he agrees with a symbolic message being given, however he does not believe that the City of South Bend Common Council is the highest paid in the State. Council Member Kelly stated that it makes little difference either way whether the Bill is passed as originally proposed or amended as Council Member Coleman suggests. He stated that he does not believe a change should be made for the Mayor or the City Clerk. He further added that he believes that the City receives a "bargain" for all the hard work done by the Mayor in light of his salary.