Proposed ordinance for a 2.6 percent raise not approved
By: Brian Shappell
The Township Council has changed its mind about giving itself a 2.6 percent pay increase, despite an informal vote last month in support of the raise.
Councilman Ted Van Hessen, Councilwoman Carol Barrett and Mayor Debra Johnson opted not to introduce an ordinance that would have given each member a pay increase.
Councilmen Frank Gambatese and Edmund Luciano were not in the room at the time.
Mr. Gambatese said he was surprised the proposed ordinance was not moved by Ms. Barrett or Mayor Johnson because the two had previously been in favor of the increase, which would have been included in the 2002 budget.
"That’s what happens when you leave the room I guess," he said.
The council, by an informal 4-1 vote, had supported the proposed increase Jan. 8. It would have raised the mayor’s annual salary from $8,755 to $9,070 and council members salaries from $6,690 to $6,930. Mr. Van Hessen voted against the salary increase at the January meeting.
The council voted in February 2001 for a 3-percent increase that raised salaries from $8,500 to $8,755 for the mayor and $6,500 to $6,690 for council members.
Mr. Van Hessen said he voted against the 2001 pay raise because raises shouldn’t be considered a given every year.
"I’ve been against it from the beginning," Mr. Van Hessen said. "I think it’s inappropriate that there’s an automatic payment provision."