Detroit Elected Officials Compensation Commission
It's pretty clear that the idea of the Detroit City Council and city clerk getting raises isn't a very popular one.
Dave Spencer of Fox 2 reports that dozens of people, including city retirees, came to a hearing Monday at the Detroit Elected Officials Compensation Commission to voice opposition.
"You need to give this city time to get the books balanced," said Janice Pickett, a retired city worker, according to a report by Fox 2. "And to really situate where this money is going and what departments need it most before you want to pad your pockets."
Many questioned the timing, considering the city has just emerged from bankruptcy.
"Now the city council wants a pay raise," said one resident, according to Fox 2. "Where is our pay raise?"
"In my household if we have a decrease in income, we have to make choices," another resident said. "Priorities as to how we are going to spend our money."
Fox 2 reports that In 2010 the same commission met and cut the salaries of city council members by 10 percent.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the commission has until mid-April to make a decision. The city council, with a two-thirds majority vote, can reject the recommendation. If it doesn't act, the recommendations takes effect.
The Free Press reports that the mayor, who is not asking for a raise, earns $166,487 and the council president makes $80,800. Council members earn $76,900, as does the city clerk.
