City Council Finalizes Pay Increase with Unanimous Vote

In less than 15 seconds, the Elk Grove City Council on Wednesday finalized a decision to give its members a $200 pay increase following the next election.

Council Members currently receive $600 a month plus allowances for a cell phone and other benefits; once any one member starts a new term of office, all will receive $800 a month.

Citing the large amount of time required to do the job, the council approved the pay raise by a 4-1 vote on Sept. 26. This Wednesday was the second reading of the item, and it was approved on the consent calendar–used for routine or non-controversial items–by a unanimous vote.

Council Member Gary Davis, who voted against the pay increase last month, said he voted for it this time because it was included with other routine items like approval of meeting minutes, accepting a donation for a spay and neuter program and other second-readings.

"I remain opposed to a council stipend increase," Davis said in an email. "Second Reading is a technical procedure and was bound to eleven other items together on a consent calendar. As you know, I voted against this and stand behind that 'No' vote."

No council members mentioned the item during its quick approval Wednesday.

Related:

• City Council Votes to Increase its Monthly Pay by $200
• Poll: Should City Council Members Get a Pay Raise?

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