The Peoria City Council recently voted to give itself a raise, but just barely.
The 5 percent raise translates into about a $1,000 more per year for City Council members, and about $1,500 a year more for the mayor. Still, none of Peoria’s elected officials will make above $33,000 annually.
The pay increases came recommended by a citizen’s commission, and the council passed them on a 4-3 vote during the Dec. 6 meeting.
The money should have gone to other city employees, Council member Carlo Leone said. He voted against the pay raise.
“The firefighters don’t make enough money,” Leone said. “The Police Department don’t make enough money. ‘Cause they’re out there doing a job — a job that you and I probably wouldn't want to do.”
Voters should have decided whether to give the mayor and council raises, Leone said.
Voter approval would have been required had the increase been for 5.2 percent instead of 5 percent.
