Tuesday night’s city council meeting ended on a low note when residents of Union City took to public comment to express their grievances with the city’s decision to raise council member salaries by 30%.
“I thought that you were in this position because you’re helping our communities, and that should come from your heart, not lining your pockets,” said resident Susie Garcia.
At the last council meeting on September 10, the council introduced an ordinance to increase city council and mayoral salaries. The decision, they say, was based on multiple factors, including the salaries of other local government leader officials across Alameda County, and California Senate Bill 329, which establishes a pay cap of $1,600 per month for cities with populations between 50,000 and 75,000 and $1,900 per month for cities with populations between 75,000 and 150,000.
The council voted 3-2 to increase council and mayoral salaries by $500 a month, bringing new council member salaries to $2,125 (up from $1,625) and the mayor’s salary to $2,937 (up from $2,437). The change will take effect on January 1.
With many in objection, the council opened up the floor to residents to voice their opposition. Kevin Finnerty, a retired government worker, said the city has more pressing priorities to address, namely the salaries of other city employees, noting they are “well below” the median compared to other cities. He asked for the council to reconsider the decision.
“Even though you had the right to do it, it may not have been the right thing to do until we take care of other employees and other city needs we have at this time,” Finnerty said.
Council member Jaime Patiño defended the council’s raise, saying that the $30,000 combined increase amounts to .00024% of the city’s total budget of $123,607,579 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. He also believes that the salary increase would make city council jobs more accessible for lower income residents, saying that those struggling to make ends meet are less likely to afford taking on a low-paying government position.
“By not increasing the salary after 16 years, we are making it so only the well-to-do can participate in city government, we should not let that stand,” Patiño said.
That seemed to resonate with some residents, as his speech was followed by applause.
With another 3-2 vote in favor of the salary increase, the motion passed.
