Girard mayor will not sign legislation for pay raises

Staff report

Girard

Mayor James Melfi said he will not sign the legislation approved by city council last week that gives city officials pay raises effective Jan. 1.

Because the mayor is not vetoing the raises, however, they still will become law in 10 days. Melfi’s move is not a stance against the raises; instead, it is a message to council.

“We [the administration] should have been included in the executive session, and that’s why I’m not signing,” Melfi said.

Council President Reynald Paolone said it was “the mayor’s right” not to sign, but he would not comment any further until he spoke to the mayor.

Council members, the mayor, and three other administrative positions’ salaries will increase under the legislation.