|
Frederick aldermen will delay a decision that would reverse an anticipated 23 percent pay raise to the mayor's salary. Mayor Jeff Holtzinger, who is running for a second term, introduced the measure, which would keep the salary at $75,304. "Given the times, what's happened in the interim since it increased for the next term ... I think the salary is adequate as is," Holtzinger said. In January 2008, aldermen approved a charter amendment that would increase the mayoral salary to $90,000. They also approved an 85 percent increase to their own salaries, raising the annual pay from $13,500 to $25,000. "The mayor's salary is enough to attract folks to the job," Holtzinger said. Alderwoman Marcia Hall motioned that the vote be delayed to the next public meeting, indicating she wanted all board members present for the decision. Alderman Alan Imhoff was absent for the agenda item because he was representing the city at a Board of County Commissioners meeting Thursday evening. The county board is considering withholding a tax reimbursement that would cut another $1 million hole in the city's budget. The city is facing a tight budget year for fiscal 2010. The $80 million general fund budget being considered represents a $3 million reduction from the year before. Holtzinger had already closed a $10.5 million deficit before presenting the budget. The cuts to the city budget included a freeze to all city employee salaries except union-represented Frederick police who negotiated a 2 percent increase last year. Holtzinger requested that city police forgo their salary adjustments because of the county's move to cut the city's tax equity payment -- a reimbursement to municipalities for services they provide themselves. The Frederick Police Department is facing an $890,000 cut to its $24.8 million budget, which could mean 14 fewer officers, said Holtzinger. Holtzinger's request to keep the mayor's salary unchanged would not affect the increase to aldermen's salaries, which go into effect for the next elected board. Frederick 's proposed $90,000 mayoral salary falls below the $148,000 Baltimore pays its full-time mayor, but above Annapolis, which pays $70,000 and Hagerstown, which pays $28,000. In each of those cities, the mayor serves as chief executive or wields significant power. Baltimore and Frederick do not employ city managers.
|
