Hearing will address council salary freeze

The Spokane Salary Review Commission is recommending a freeze in City Council salaries. The five-member commission voted unanimously earlier this year in favor of a freeze, but it is holding a public hearing today to accept more comment. “The commission was very much aware of the economic times,” said Chairman Hal Ellis. In 2008 the body raised City Council pay from $18,000 to $30,000 a year. It was the first increase since 1991. Pay for City Council President Joe Shogan increased from $40,000 to $55,000. The commission will accept public testimony at 3 p.m. today in Conference Room 2B at Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Ellis said the commission could change its mind if it’s swayed by public opinion. Otherwise, the commission’s earlier vote will stand unless citizens collect enough signatures to put the decision on the November ballot.