Brentwood Mayor Gets 65% Pay Raise Twice In Four Months, Still Earns Below Minimum Wage
BRENTWOOD (CBS SF) -- An ad hoc City Council committee voted 3-0 to give Mayor Bob Taylor a second 65 percent pay raise Tuesday. The measure was passed without public comment.
The raise more than triples Mayor's original salary. It sounds like government excess, but his current salary is $11,000 a year.
"Everyone thinks I'm very wealthy. Buy me a drink, Mayor! Buy me dinner!" Taylor told KPIX 5.
Tuesday's pay hike comes on the heels of a 65 percent pay raise City Council members voted to give themselves, including the Mayor, back in October.
The committee decided the mayor deserved the second raise due to extra duties required of him like ribbon cutting, civil marriages, conducting tours and committee participation. Their decision only affects Taylor specifically, not the mayor's office. It will expire after his term ends in 2016.
Once the increase takes effect, Taylor's salary will have gone from $6,831 in October, to $17,271 plus medical benefits and other pay. Taylor received more than $9,000 in medical benefits in 2014.
Considering a 40 hour workweek, Taylor is making about $8 an hour, less than minimum wage.
The committee also voted to give a small raise to local police and other city workers.
"Most people go on strike for making that low wage, so I commend him," said B. Michael White a Brentwood resident.
The raises will take effect 30 days after the second reading of the ordinance which will likely happen at the next council meeting.
