Oakland council members offered $108K raises amid city crisis

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 01:56 · Archive

Oakland city council members could receive up to $108,000 in additional pay and benefits under Measure EE, which is backed by Mayor Barbara Lee. The proposal would give the mayor more control over the city while opening the door to substantial compensation increases for the eight-member council.

Councilmembers currently earn a base salary of $114,243. The Oakland Report estimated their annual compensation at roughly $148,500 when benefits are included. City Auditor Michael Houston projects additional salary and benefit costs of $36,000 to $108,000 per member, with the council's combined first-year increase reaching as much as $867,000.

The proposal comes as Oakland faces high crime, a homelessness crisis that has doubled over the past decade, an illegal dumping epidemic and a structural budget deficit. The mayor's campaign selling Measure EE to voters has largely omitted details about the pay increases, instead emphasizing accountability and making council service a full-time job. The Oakland Report found the campaign's website, frequently asked questions and supporting ballot arguments did not mention the projected raises.

How it is being reported

• Oakland mayor wants to give local lawmakers pay rises of up to $108,000 despite California city being byword for failure and squalorThe potential raise for city council members comes as the city faces high crime rates, a homelessness epidemic, an illegal dumping crisis and a major budget deficit.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 01:31
• California’s worst-run city could give council members $108K raisesOakland city council members could get a $108,000 pay and benefits bump as the city deals an illegal dumping epidemic, high crime, a homelessness crisis and a structural budget deficit.New York Post · 26 Oct, 17:57

In this story: Oakland · Barbara Lee · Sheng Thao · Michael Houston

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