City’s stipends boosted

The City Council gave itself a pay raise Tuesday, but the raise won’t

go into effect until December 2006 -- when city officials expect a

revenue boost.

State law prohibits an increase in council compensation until the

start of new terms by any of the council members. By December 2006,

after the next scheduled City Council election, Treasure Island Park

will be paid off and the city will be getting the full benefit of the

Montage bed tax.

Planning and Arts Commissioners and Design Review Board also will

get their stipends increased.

A general law city is permitted to increase compensation by up to

5% a year, slightly more than city employees have received, City

Manager Ken Frank said. The last time the council raised its pay was

July 1, 2002.

The approved increase raises the council members’ monthly stipend

from $425 a month to $510 -- a 20% increase. Arts commissioners’

stipends will be raised from $60 to $70 a month. Planning

commissioners will get $110 a month and design board members will

receive $210 a month.

An ordinance was introduced to increase the stipends, which

requires a second reading.