Warren mayor takes 2009 pay cut because of city’s fiscal problems

WARREN — Mayor Michael O’Brien has written a check to the city’s finance department for $4,389 — the equivalent of a 5 percent pay cut of his 2009 salary.

O’Brien, who also wrote a check of $2,141 in November while refusing his 2.5 percent cost-of-living pay increase, said he is taking the pay cut “due to the city of Warren’s financial condition.”

O’Brien was in line to make $87,788 in 2009, but will now make $81,258, according to figures supplied by the mayor’s office.

The budget council approved last month involved laying off 20 police officers, 11 firefighters and eight other city employees Jan. 1.

The layoffs allowed the city to reduce its 2009 budget by $1.2 million, to $27.5 million.