Exorbitant salaries trigger protests in California
Yesterday, we discussed that California has the largest state budget shortfall in the US, topping at $41.6 billion dollars. Solutions are still being discussed after the Governor’s proposal to cut public employee wages was overruled by a judge.
Well, it turns out there are a few salaries for California public employees which being drastically overpaid.
In the city of Bell, home to 38,000 residents and one of the poorest municipalities of Los Angeles County, it was revealed that the City Manager earns a salary of $787,637 with annual 12 percent raises, the highest in the nation. The police chief makes $457,000, more than the LAPD’s chief, who oversees 3.8 million residents. Part time work for city earned council members $100,000 a year and an average monthly check of $8,083.
“It seems obscene to me,” State Assemblyman Hector De La Torre said. “People making $30,000 a year are paying taxes so that their council members can make $80,000.”
The report sparked outrage amongst the residents who protested outside of city hall, calling for an independent audit of the city council member’s salaries and contracts. They want fiscal transparency in the county, and they want it yesterday.
Not surprisingly, the city earned an “F” transparency grade from Sunshine Review, but hopefully the corruption in the city council will push for a more open, honest and realistic government. The City Council can start by proactively disclosing salaries and other budget information online.
