Atlanta City Council Members Reject Raises Amid Financial Difficulties

Strategic Insights -

As the city of Atlanta faces significant financial difficulties, city council members are slated to vote on a plan to freeze their salaries and that of the mayor until the city's finances are in better shape. The move comes after a citizen commission recommended a 50% salary increase for the mayor, citing the need to attract top-shelf candidates. However, council members argue that the city's budget problems make any raises impractical. Amid the city's financial struggles, over 300 city workers have been laid off, and services have been reduced.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Atlanta City Council is scheduled to vote on a plan to freeze the salaries of council members and the mayor until the city's finances are in better shape.
  • The freeze applies to raises that would have taken effect in 2010, when the next mayor and council take office.
  • If the next mayor gives workers an across-the-board raise, the mayor's salary would increase by 17% to $172,575, and the council's annual pay would rise by 17% to $46,183.
  • A five-member citizen commission appointed by Mayor Shirley Franklin and the council to review salaries recommended a 50% salary increase for the mayor, with a pay rise from $147,500 to $225,000.
  • Council members questioned the wisdom of approving any raises, considering the city's budget problems, including a projected $50 million shortfall in its general fund.
  • The city's Watershed Management Department has also projected a $50 million shortfall.
  • To close the gap, over 300 city workers have been laid off, and service reductions have been implemented.

Statistics:

  • $50 million: Projected shortfall in the city's general fund.
  • $50 million: Projected shortfall in the city's Watershed Management Department.
  • 300: Number of city workers laid off.
  • 10%: Pay cut for most city workers, including Mayor Franklin.
  • $147,500: Current salary of the mayor.
  • $225,000: Proposed salary increase for the mayor, recommended by the citizen commission.
  • $172,575: Salary the mayor's pay would rise to if the next mayor gives workers an across-the-board raise.
  • $39,473: Current annual pay for council members.
  • $46,183: Salary council members' pay would rise to if the next mayor gives workers an across-the-board raise.
  • 17%: Proposed salary increase for the mayor and council members.

Sources:

  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • Mayor Shirley Franklin
  • Councilwoman Felicia Moore