Salinas Councilmembers vote to increase their salary by 300%

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) - Salinas council members are expected to get a hefty pay raise soon. All but one councilman voted in favor of a wage increase ordinance last night.

Salinas City Council is moving forward with getting a pay bump after approving an ordinance Tuesday night.

It's a decision not supported by some people who live in Salinas.

"I do believe in giving people pay raises. But incrementally. I mean, it's kind of like a shock to me for someone to receive 300% increase all of a sudden," says a Salinas resident.

That "sudden" increase would result in the seven council members and​ the mayor being paid $30,000 each instead of under $10,000.

Before the vote, Councilmember Steve McShane voiced out he was not in favor of the raise.

"This is money that's going to come out of the general fund," said McShane. "It's the same money that we would use to spend improving parks or hiring more police officers."

Tony Barrera who voted in favor of the raise says this would give more opportunities to people who want to become elected officials.

"You know, there are a lot of factors depending on the individual's needs." Barrera said. "Right now, the only reason I can run effectively and city council is because I have an employer that allows me to go to city hall, and do my civic duty."

McShane was the only council member to vote against it the ordinance.

"A city council role does draw, in the end from a public retirement system," said McShane. "So this will lead to more costs long term as it relates to the council and the government of Salinas,"

Rocha was not present at the meeting but previously expressed interest in approving the wage increase.

According to the city attorney Christopher Callahan, council members can choose to not accept the compensation.