Pay increases backed for city officials

For the second time, a Spokane Valley commission has recommended higher salaries for the city’s mayor and City Council.

“I think that we made a very good decision,” said Gail Stiltner, part of the five-member committee that voted unanimously Monday to increase salaries for council members and the mayor to $750 per month and $975 per month, respectively.

The current salaries are $500 for the mayor and $400 for the council, with council members also taking advantage of various combinations of insurance benefits worth an average $550 per month.

After the city incorporated, the salaries were set at the current rates by state law until a salary commission could be formed. Monday’s recommended salaries will take effect 30 days after public notices are published unless residents gather enough signatures to place them on the ballot.

Voters last year turned down a larger pay increase proposed in 2004, and some on the current salary commission hope residents will be more amenable to the moderately lower recommendations.

“Maybe that wouldn’t be such a shock factor,” said Diane Tortorelli, the 2006 Independent Salary Commission chairwoman.

Valley disincorporation organizer Sally Jackson said Monday that she would lead a signature-gathering campaign to place the raise on the ballot. “The last thing they need is a salary increase,” she said.

A referendum requires signatures from 15 percent of voters registered as of the last general election. Last time, opponents of the raise rounded up 8,400 signatures in 12 days, although Jackson said she expects it to be more challenging in the winter weather.

As part of its research, the commission put together an unscientific survey that was available on the city’s Web site. Of the 72 people who filled it out, 31 said the council members’ salary should stay the same. An increase to between $900 and $1,200 a month was supported by 16 people. In the next largest grouping, 12 people suggested council pay should be between $1,300 and $1,500.

The commission also looked at the salaries of mayors and council members in similar cities with a council/manager form of government.

It also took into account the amount of time it takes to serve on the council. In addition to city meetings, council members also represent Spokane Valley on boards and committees that handle things as varied as federal block grants and the regional 911 system.

According to the commission’s report, council members spend 78 hours on average each month doing city business. The mayor averages 100 hours per month.

If they become law, the salary commission’s recommendations would cost an additional $30,900 a year from the city’s $33.5 million general fund.