Denver City Council Vote 'Raises' Eyebrows
DENVER (CBS4) - The reception for a pay raise for Denver city leaders is getting panned by many people.
The city is currently asking departments to cut $100 million from next year's budget. Now the current city council members just gave future members a pay raise.
The council approved a 6.6 percent pay increase. It will cost the city $90,000 a year.
The raise begins in July 2013 for the next city council. Eight council members voted for the raise and five voted against it.
Both sides made comments to CBS4.
"To make sure salary wages remain competitive, and those with families to compete" council member Michael Hancock said.
"I voted against the ordinance because people in Denver are hurting right now. They are afraid of losing their homes," council member Carol Boigon said.
All 13 members of the Denver City Council are up for election. The city council hasn't given itself a raise in 4 years.
