Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council votes 'no' to pay raise

A motion to increase the pay for members of the Prescott City Council failed to find approval among the council members and died without a majority.

The issue was brought before the council by Councilwoman Susie Meeks who said that she felt other council members wanted to discuss the issue but were unwilling to raise the question. Meeks said council members have not had a pay increase in at least 14 years.

Councilman Jerry Wilson suggested that the pay be increased to $350 per month - a $50 increase over the current rate. Council members are required to attend the regular council members in order to be paid, but may miss one meeting annually without forfeiting the pay.

Council members who voted for the increase were Meeks, Howard Austin, Jerry Wilson and Elaine Williams. Those who voted against the measure were Robert Loe, James Cornelius, Larry Baker and Gary Lowdermilk. By law, approval from at least five members - a majority of those present - was necessary. Had the measure passed, the council would still have needed to formally adopt an ordinance to that effect.

The council also briefly discussed a raise for Prescott Recorder Sandy Cason. The recommendation was to increase Casons monthly pay from the current rate of $270 to $350. It was pointed out that Cason handles the minutes for the council but also oversees the firemans fund and has other duties. Cason asked to address the council.

Thats not necessary, she said. Im satisfied with what I make.

Cason told council members that she realized she has no vote but requested that they not increase her pay.

The council let the matter drop.