There was no mention that the 2023-2024 Fernandina Beach city budget included city commissioners voting themselves a 50% salary increase at Tuesday's special meeting to make the budget official.
"This is arguably the biggest vote of our year," proclaimed Mayor Bradley Bean.
The 2023-2024 city budget increases city commissioners' yearly salary from $12,000 to $18,000 which will cost taxpayers $90,000 in total.
"I think this commission did an excellent job in recognizing some of the constituents' struggles and doing what we could to provide a little relief in the taxes. I think this budget does a lot of many things and it has a lot of great improvements," said Commissioner Darron Ayscue.
At the previous budget approval meeting - it requires two city commission votes to approve the budget - the city commission only heard public comment after they had already voted on the matter.
"We find money in the budget for a (city commissioner) 49% pay increase. A pay raise is due for a future commission, but the optics of voting for a pay raise and these things that have been mentioned are not good for your citizens," said Richard Deem at that meeting.
Previously, Commissioner Chip Ross argued that it was not appropriate for commissioners to vote themselves a salary increase. He said if the commission wanted to approve a pay hike it should become effective in the 2024-2025 budget cycle for future elected commissioners.
The issue of commissioner compensation was raised by Vice Mayor David Sturges after the city commission voted to take away health insurance benefits in 2022. Interim City Manager Charlie George said it was his decision alone to put the pay raise in the proposed budget.
Bean, Sturges, Ayscue and Antun voted for the budget - including to raise their salaries - with Ross voting no.
It was never meant to be a job! It's a service to the community. Yes, it's hard work but it's about YOU giving back to the Community! But this crew subscribes to the "what's in it for me?" mentality. And some are making sure they get it. I seem to remember Sturgess bringing up paying himself more when he had about 2 months of experience as a Commissioner. That told me everything.
Mike, you are a writer. I can envision a hit sit-com based upon the current Fernandina Beach City Commission. Perhaps a Netflix movie? 🤔 Tag; you're it!
They are keeping utility debt by not increasing fees for development commensurate with cost and they are patting themselves on the back with a raise which adds to that city debt. Fiscally irresponsible! #electionshaveconsequences
While I believe that $18K for all the time and effort is a reasonable level of compensation, the optics for it to be effective for the current commission are not good. Chip’s position was the right one.
What is happening to our city? Rules and laws are not followed, if things don't fit the way some think they should, there are backhanded votes, nothing is on the up and up anymore and most citizens have no clue!