CLAYTON, MISSOURI (KMOX) - The St. Louis County Council voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to double their salary, from $20-thousand a year to $40-thousand. Councilman Ernie Trakas admitted it did not look good, even though the raise will happen after the next elections, and was recommended by a compensation committee.
"What I'm talking about is the optics of the Council giving itself a raise when the County is clearly in a financial predicament." Trakas was referring to an estimated $44-million deficit for next year. The vote was taken on the same day that a public town hall was to be held to get input on how to address that shortfall. Trakas noted, "This bill only amounts to about $140-thousand, so it isn't the money. It's the principle."
Trakas also noted the salary increase still leaves councilmembers short of what they should be making. Earlier proposals suggested a $60-thousand annual salary. "Compensation for councilmembers has been woefully deficient for way too long a time, and this bill doesn't even cure it completely."
But it's not as if the checks will double anytime soon. The pay raise only applies after the next election. Councilman Mark Harder noted that, with staggered terms, some councilmembers will be making twice as much as their more-experienced colleagues. "After 2025, we will basically have a two-tiered system, with some councilmembers making a lot more than other councilmembers going forward."
The bill to increase the salaries of the St. Louis County Council came about around the same time that the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen first proposed a pay hike. However, theirs went from about $37-thousand a year to $72-thosuand. The increase approved Tuesday still requires the signature of County Executive Sam Page, which is expected. The bill also pays the Council Chair more, at $50-thousand a year.