Council skips full introduction for pay raise proposal

Greg Harman

Wednesday, June 14, 2000 | 11:49 a.m.

The Boulder City Council didn't read the bill that would institute a major pay raise for council members and the mayor next year, opting instead to read only the title of the bill that will be voted on next meeting.

But that didn't keep the council from hearing the sharp criticism of one local resident who accused the group of trying to sneak the item through without the public's knowledge.

The proposed increase, to be voted on at the council's June 27 meeting, would raise the salaries of council members from $10,363 to $15,363 a year and boost the mayor's annual paycheck from $12,857 to $20,857.

Resident Catherine Hartman bristled at the suggestion that City Council members are required to serve on the numerous boards and committees and that should be considered along with the members' regular duties when considering compensation.

"Volunteers shouldn't expect to be paid," Hartman told the group on Tuesday.

"This town would probably fall apart if not for volunteers, and they don't ask for payment. You don't deserve payment for these any more than anyone else who serves on these committees."

Hartman said the raise should have been discussed before last year's election.

The council did not discuss the bill beyond glossing over its introduction.

Following the meeting, Councilman Joe Hardy told Hartman simply, "You've done your homework."

In addition to their regular pay, the mayor and council members receive a monthly auto allowance of $450.