SEAL BEACH : Council Postpones Vote on Pay Raise

The City Council has postponed a vote on Councilman Frank Laszlo’s motion that voters be asked to approve a council pay raise from $125 to $300 a month on the upcoming June primary ballot.

The decision came after a heated discussion between Laszlo and Councilman Joe Hunt, during which Hunt questioned the need for higher compensation. Hunt also requested that other council members consider a mechanism which would restrict council travel and educational expenses.

Laszlo countered that council members hadn’t received a raise since the City Charter was written in 1964, and that the $125 provided at that time was inadequate compensation. He also said that council members travel to conferences and meetings only as necessary to adequately educate themselves for their positions.

After much argument, the council voted 4 to 0 to postpone action to give the city attorney time to reword the proposal. The new proposal will be considered at the Jan. 19 meeting.