VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - City council members approved to give appointed positions raises on Tuesday evening.
The ordinances call for the same raises all city employees received during the latest budget, according to the council's agenda. That includes a 2.34% raise starting July 1, although some of that goes to retirement plans. Then, employees can receive an additional 1% merit raise on December 1, depending on whether they have positive work evaluations.
The positions impacted on Tuesday's decision include City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Real Estate Assessor, and the City Auditor.
City Manager Dave Hansen is highest paid with an annual salary of $250,000, along with a $12,000 annual car allowance.
City councilman John Moss posted on his Facebook page saying the five are already paid enough. "The concept of public service has lost its meaning when the top drinks from the well first, while so many of those whom they supposedly serve go thirsty," he wrote.
Mayor Will Sessoms disagreed. "I don't think it's fair to say that if you're in public service you are not to be compensated fairly," he said. "I don't think that's fair at all."
Sessoms says the salaries help keep talented people in their jobs. He believes the raises will be approved.
