HUBBARD Increase mayor's salary, some say

The low salary keeps some residents from running for mayor, an official said.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- City lawmakers have mixed opinions about a pay raise for the position of mayor, although it hasn't been increased since 1992.
Council has only two meetings left this year to approve a wage increase for Mayor-elect Arthur U. Magee, who takes office Jan. 1.
The mayor is paid $29,375, while the law director receives $26,000 -- the same as 11 years ago.
City Auditor Michael Villano said legislation has been prepared to increase the mayor's salary by $5,000 annually over four years, bringing it to $49,375.
Villano said lawmakers haven't expressed much enthusiasm about increasing the salary of Law Director Gary Gilmartin.
No midterm increases
State law prohibits pay increases in midterm, so it will be four more years without raises if no action is taken.
"I don't think it's going anywhere," Councilman John Marshall, D-2nd, a member of the finance committee, said.
Normally, Marshall pointed out, legislation to increase wages is given three readings by city council.
Council has only two meetings scheduled before the end of the year, although a special meeting could be called for a third reading or the legislation could be approved after two readings.
Marshall said council should have approved salary increases before this year's primary election. Those seeking offices should know the compensation before entering campaigns.
Councilman William Williams, D-at-large, said the issue is up in the air.
Although any lawmaker can sponsor legislation, Williams said he believes a measure to increase salaries should come from the finance committee.
Recent proposal
What was proposed recently during a council budget work session, Williams noted, was to increase the mayor's salary $20,000 in increments.
Williams said the wage should be increased for the mayor, law director and supervisory positions whose salaries have lagged behind those they supervise.
In the case of the mayor, the position has been held by older men who can live on a low salary and as a result, many younger residents who are married with children are prevented from seeking elected office, Williams added.
Councilman Raymond Farcas, D-at-large, who is giving up his seat the first of the year, said the mayor should be paid more than the auditor, who receives $38,000 a year.
The mayor of Girard, a city of a comparable number of residents, is paid $42,990.
Farcas thinks $39,000 for mayor "seems fair to me." Not to increase the salaries for mayor "would be definitely wrong."
Magee said Wednesday that he believes a pay increase "has been worked out" with council. He added later that, "I hope it can be worked out."
yovich@vindy.com