Key Takeaways:
– Measure TC in Torrance, put forward in an anti-corruption initiative, could notably increase the city’s mayor and council members’ salaries.
– The proposed raise – 2,673% to an annual $33,280 – has drawn criticism for lack of transparency.
– Supporters claim the pay raise, first in 65 years, aims at removing barriers to public service for non-wealthy citizens.
New Compensation Plan Stirs Controversy
Slated for voting on November 5, Measure TC in Torrance includes a contentious plan. Nestled within anti-corruption reforms and conflict-of-interest rules, there’s a proposal to considerably hike the salaries of city’s mayor and council members.
The controversial measure has caused a sour note among residents, who argue that city leaders are exploiting an otherwise important initiative for personal gain. The new wage structure could boost the City Council’s pay by an overwhelming 2,673%, raising their annual earning to about $33,280.
The Current Wage Scenario
The existing City Charter provides the council members, which include the mayor, just a $100 monthly stipend and job expense reimbursements. The role is seen as a community service provision, and most council members typically maintain other full-time jobs. With benefits accounted, a Torrance City Council member receives approximately $13,000 a year according to data from the California’s state controller’s office.
Understanding Measure TC
The City Council drafted Measure TC and then introduced it for voting. Advocates of this proposition, including council members, argue that compensation hasn’t seen any uplift in over half a century. They contend that more inviting pay scales could bring diversity into city’s political arena, instead of limiting positions to retirees or the wealthy.
Critics’ Concerns
Opponents concur with the necessity of a pay raise, yet they disagree with the city’s approach. They allege council members for lack of openness and believe ballot’s language intentionally misleads voters. As the measure seemingly calls for a pay cap, critics fear the city is attempting to trick constituents into endorsing the proposal.
Insights from City’s Mayor
Mayor George Chen, defending Measure TC, highlighted council members as the city’s lowest-earning yet highest-ranking officials. “No one in the city makes less than $16 an hour — only the mayor and the City Council do,” Chen stated, adding that the raise would echo the lowest pay within the city. He laid stress on the fact that the new salary could attract more individuals to public service.
How it Adds Up for Council Members
The proposed annual income calculation is based on the minimum wage in California, which, if voters sanction Proposition 32, could be raised to $18 an hour. At 2,080 hours per year, it would sum up to weekly 40 hours throughout the year, including holidays and recess periods. Council members provided insights into their commitment, with Mayor Chen revealing he clocks around 50 to 60 hours weekly.
Comparing with Nearby Cities
A comparison of salary data from similar sized cities within Los Angeles County places Torrance City Council’s compensation at the second-lowest position. The cities for comparison included Palmdale, Pomona, Pasadena, and Downey. Passing Measure TC could lead to Torrance having the highest-paid city council among the group.
Voicing Concerns
Citizens have expressed worries about lack of public participation in the measure and doubts about council members’ commitments. Some have also questioned the potential for vested interests, as the new salary scheme would be applicable to the existing council. Suggestions point towards introducing the pay revision scheme to those elected post-2026, thereby eliminating concerns of conflict of interest.