Imagine, during such a tumultuous economy, asking for a 47% raise for yourself. Especially when you have only been on the job for four months. Do you really think your boss would say yes?
Fountain Hills’ budget has been tight for many years. Our community, as a whole, has voted down tax increases to elevate the pressure repeatedly. Past councils have recognized town projects and infrastructure as priorities, not pay raises.
Councilmember Earle apparently believes she has earned a 47% raise. She has only been on the council for four months. No employer would agree to this, and we shouldn’t either.
Councilmember Toth says pay increases for staff should only be 2.5%. Toth said she hopes staff knows how much they appreciate them. Not with a 2.5% raise, you don’t. That’s not appreciation, that’s crumbs. Considering all the grief staff have gone through, they have earned a substantial increase. Hazard pay, maybe. Even Friedel, Kalivianakis and McMahon believe staff have earned a 3-3.5% raise.
I remember not too long ago someone said we need to concentrate on the needs of Fountain Hills, not the wants. This 47% pay increase is a big “want” the council hasn’t earned.
The council also deferred a very important upgrade to our fire department alongside their own pay increases. Fire season will be here quickly. If we have an opportunity to be apart of an automatic aid system, we need to say yes now, not postpone it until January. This could save lives and property. Sounds like a “need” to me. Not pay raises.
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