Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 08/16/2012 06:08:36 PM PDT

UPLAND – Councilwoman Debbie Stone has asked city staffers to place an item on the Sept. 10 agenda to cut council members’ pay by 15percent.

Stone, a mayoral candidate, said the cut is necessary due to the city’s ongoing budget constraints.

“As we ask our employee groups to take a reduction in their compensation, it’s only fair that we do the same,” Stone said.

“I recognize the council has eliminated its own lifetime medical and eliminated a number of perks that were available in the past. I feel it’s the right thing to do at this time.”

Each City Council member receives $29,358 in salary and benefits. The mayor receives $33,621.

The 15percent reduction would save the city $22,658.

In May, council members asked the city’s seven employee groups to agree to salary freezes and either a salary cut or to pay their share toward their retirement in order to avoid layoffs in the Police Department and department-wide cuts.

The city and groups were unable to reach an agreement.

Council members are paid $500 per month and the mayor is paid $600 per month.

Council members are eligible for up to $1,938.14 per month in benefits, including health, dental, vision, deferred compensation, savings bonds, additional life insurance, ROTH IRAs, annual physicals or any other use approved by the city manager.

They can receive a $100,000 life insurance policy.

Council members are also given the option of joining the public employee retirement system at 2.5percent at age 55. They would pay 10.4percent toward their retirement.

None of the council members are in PERS.

The City Council has lost some benefits, including lifetime medical insurance.

Council members received $300 per month and the mayor $900 per month in car allowance until it was eliminated in July 2011. Members do get mileage reimbursement.

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