12022015 - News Article - Portage council boosts own pay 23 percent

Portage council boosts own pay 23 percent 
Joyce Russell joyce.russell@nwi.com, (219) 762-1397, ext. 2222
Dec 2, 2015
NWI Times
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage-council-boosts-own-pay-percent/article_9043cdd4-2a13-5340-aaed-f5013cd860f2.html

PORTAGE | Members of the Portage City Council gave themselves a 23 percent pay raise this week.

Their annual salary will climb from $13,410 this year to $16,500 in 2016.

The elected officials salary ordinance was approved unanimously and without discussion Tuesday night. The version approved Tuesday also was different from the salary ordinance initially submitted in November, which called for a 9 percent pay increase for council members to $14,616.

The ordinance also gives the clerk-treasurer a 9 percent pay increase for next year, from $60,466 to $65,886. While the mayor's salary will remain the same at $53,466 from the general fund, the position did receive an increase from $23,000 to $30,000 from the utility department, bringing the mayor's total salary up to $83,466, a 9 percent overall increase.

Most city employees will receive an average 1 percent pay increase for 2016.

"A few council members thought it was time to get it (salary levels) up to others in our area," said Councilman John Cannon, who will begin his second term in January. Cannon previously balked at council pay raises and donated a previous raise to the police K-9 fund.

However, Cannon said that was at a time when he felt the city couldn't afford to give raises.

"We couldn't afford it before. We can afford it now," he said, adding most people probably don't realize council members contribute to the state pension fund, but can't collect on that fund unless they serve 10 years or more.

The raise, in part, compensates council members for that, he said.

"Besides, if you're doing your job right, I think $13,000 is a little low," said Cannon.

"We figured it was a pretty fair raise," said Councilman Mark Oprisko, adding he doesn't believe the salary for the council will be increased in the next four years.

He said he's concerned about the salary level being able to attract qualified, educated people to run for the office.

City Council salaries across the region vary.

Valparaiso City Council members are paid $6,000 per year, said clerk-treasurer Sharon Swihart. She said that figure hasn't changed in at least a decade.

She said her pay is $56,650 and the mayor earns $56,550, with both salaries having remained constant for several years.

Hobart City Council members will be paid $11,765 in 2016, up from $10,765 in 2015, according to that city's salary ordinance. Elected officials in Hobart, including council members, also receive longevity pay. Hobart's mayor will be paid $66,137 next year and the clerk-treasurer's salary will be $65,612, both up $1,000 from 2015.

Crown Point City Council members will see a raise from $9,000 in 2015 to $10,200 in 2016, said Clerk-Treasurer Patti Olson. The mayor's salary will increase from $80,500 to $92,000 and the clerk-treasurer's salary will increase from $79,000 to $82,000.

Hammond City Council members received an annual salary of $25,647 in 2015. The mayor's salary was $106,912 and clerk's pay was $81,923.

In 2014, East Chicago's City Council members made top dollar in the state in 2014 at $42,356. Gary City Council members earned $28,726 per year in 2014. Figures for East Chicago and Gary for 2015 and 2016 were not immediately available.