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Published on 07/17/1995 All articles from this issue

Los Altos City Council members vote to double their pay

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Los Altos City Council members voted unanimously to raise council pay from $150 to $300 per month, effective Jan. 1, 1996, at the July 10 Council meeting.

"I think it is completely justified," said Los Altos City Council member Marge Bruno. "It will begin to bring us into some kind of parity with other cities."

Bruno, one of the three council members who go off the Council this year because of term limits, will not personally benefit from the increase. Council members Ted Laliotis and Dave Reeder also finish their terms this year.

"I am happy to do this for the next members. It is long overdue," Bruno said.

Council salaries were last raised in 1969. The average city council salary now for agencies the size of Los Altos is $349 per month.

"The timing is good with three (of the five) seats up for election in November," said Layne Long, assistant to the city manager.

State law prevents Council members from increasing their salary once in office. They serve at the salary that's in place when they are elected. But they can make changes for future members. Those continuing in office will benefit because the newly elected members will receive $300 per month, and all Council members earn the same salary, Long said.

Council pay for other cities in the area similar to Los Altos ranges from $150 per month for Los Gatos to $500 per month in Mountain View. Menlo Park pays council members $375, Palo Alto pays $400, Campbell pays $441 and Cupertino pays $486. Saratoga council members are not paid.

Los Altos city staff recommended the council pay increase.

"This still doesn't begin to recoup the time or costs to council members," Long said.

Besides the 20 hours per week spent on city business, members participate in other community-related activities.

"Once on council, you are bombarded with requests from charities, for donations or to attend their events. And those expenses come out of pocket," Bruno said. "I would hate to think someone would be discouraged from running for Council because it might be a hardship for them."

Patti Williams will be continuing on the Council and believes in the salary increase.

"It gives value to the leadership of the community," Williams said. "It is important to show that we value this leadership."