The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is set to approve 19% pay hikes for themselves and other officials.
Riverside County Board of Supervisors Set to Approve 19% Pay Hikes for Themselves and Other Officials
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is set to approve big pay hikes for themselves and five other elected officials. The increases have sparked criticism from taxpayers who think it’s unfair, according to the report f Audacy.
The board will vote on Tuesday to finalize the pay increases for themselves and other officials, including the District Attorney, Sheriff, and others. The raises would be 19% for each member except for Supervisor Kevin Jeffries who has refused raises since being elected in 2012.
Supervisor Jeffries is the only one opposing the hikes, saying they’ll be seen as a “terrible mistake” by taxpayers. He thinks the increases are unfair and will make taxpayers unhappy.
(photo: NBC Palm Springs)
Government Officials’ 28% Pay Hike Sparks Concerns Over Widening Gap Between the Rich and the Poor
The board’s chairman, Chuck Washington, defended the hikes, saying they’re necessary to ensure officials aren’t punished for making tough decisions. He acknowledged it’s awkward to vote on their own pay increase, but said it’s reasonable.
The proposed hikes would increase salaries by 28% for the District Attorney and Sheriff, and by 27% for others. The total cost would be $812,501.
The debate over the hikes has raised concerns about the widening gap between government officials and ordinary taxpayers. One resident said those earning less than $100,000 a year deserve a small raise to combat inflation, but those at the top should make sacrifices.
