POLL: San Antonio City City Council Members Slated for Pay Raises?
San Antonio City Council Reconvenes After Hiatus
After a temporary break conceded for city staff to frame a proposed budget, the San Antonio City Council convened to negotiate multiple issues, most notably the reconsideration of the city’s council charter. The guidelines that organize the operation of the council, the charter, is primed for revision via six propositions that voters will decide on November 5th.
Propositions Hail from 15-Member Committee
The charter revision proposals had been devised by a committee comprising fifteen members and span a variety of subjects. A significant portion of the discussion fixated on a proposal by youth organizers to inaugurate a new proposition aiming to boost investment in youth programs.
Complications with Proposition for Youth Program Investments
Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda revealed that it was past the deadline to incorporate the amendment, citing the requirement for public input ahead of executing such modifications. Council members proposed instituting a task force or a Youth Engagement Office as a more feasible plan to accommodate the needs of local youth organizations.
Controversial Proposition C Discussed
One of the more contentious proposals under scrutiny was Proposition C, purposed to grant the City Council the right to determine the length and remuneration of the City Manager’s tenure. This proposal attracted strong disapproval from several constituents, their argument being that the position was designed to remain unaffected by direct Council intervention.
City Council Members and Mayor Pay Raise Proposition
The other noteworthy proposal being looked into is Proposition E, set to facilitate pay raises for the San Antonio Mayor and City Council members. The Council gave its approval for the salary increase proposition to be featured on the November 5th ballot, leaving the final decision with the voters.
Details of Proposition E: Salary Increases
As per the approved proposal, passage of which would entail council members receiving an annual income of $70,200, a significant increase from the current salary of roughly $45,000. The Mayor’s pay would also see a pay raise to $87,000 from slightly over $61,000. These increments are based on the area median income as identified by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Voting on Proposition F: Term Limits for Council Members
Another proposition put to vote was Proposition F, aimed at deciding whether Council members should serve two four-year terms or four two-year terms. The proposal was passed by an 8-3 vote.
Voting Pattern on Proposition F
Councilmembers Manny Pelaez (District 8), Marc Whyte (District 10), and Marina Gavito (District 7) were the members who voted against this proposition.