Councilmember Spease deconstructs city council member pay and benefits, distinguishes between required and political activities
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| Elk Grove District 3 City Councilmember Kevin Spease said he and his colleague should only be paid official duties, not those social activities related for reelection purposes. | |
Spease's joke may have merit as he criticized without saying the name of his city council colleagues who offered several odd, inaccurate and addlebrained justifications on why they should be entitled up to a 300 percent pay increase.
The mayor and council members are currently paid $800 monthly, not including benefits. A new state law allows them to be compensated up to $2,550 monthly.
During remarks that lasted over eight minutes, Spease methodically shredded comments by his colleagues, especially District 1 Councilman Darren Suen and District 2 Councilman Rod Brewer.
Spease claimed Brewer was receiving deferred compensation after he declined taxpayer-provided health insurance. Brewer did not reveal he was receiving deferred compensation instead of health insurance.
Adding to his comments that he declined health insurance, Brewer asked that money be redirected to the city's general fund to help in-need community members.
Several sources familiar with city compensation rules verified that deferred compensation is offered in lieu of health benefits. However, we await verification from Elk Grove's city of such arrangements.
Spease also targeted Councilmember Darren Suen, who requested the pay review, during his remarks. Spease ridiculed Suen's statements justifying the need for a raise for several reasons, including the cost of dry cleaning.
See the related story here.
One of the interesting aspects was Mr. Spease's calculation of city council members' hourly pay rate, which included benefits like deferred compensation or health benefits. According to his calculations, Spease said the mayor and council members are paid about $78 an hour in wages and benefits for their required duties.
Spease also distinguished between their duties as representatives of the people and political activities directed toward reelection. Taxpayers, Spease said, should not be required to pay wages for the mayor and city council members who attend social activities that are not legally required and are only done so for reelection purposes.
During their comments, the mayor and the other three council members recounted the various social functions they attend. Attendance at those events is not required and is primarily for political purposes.
For example, Mayor Singh-Allen and Councilmembers Brewer, Robles, and Suen attended the recent weekend grand opening of Elk Grove Macy's store. Spease did not appear to attend the event.
While Spease would classify this as a non-official event, his four colleagues' remarks suggest they consider this type of activity an official duty. As such, they argue they should be paid to attend these optional social events.
Notwithstanding Spease's objections and public comments during the meeting condemning a massive pay increase, the city council will hear the pay increase recommendations during their September 25 meeting. They could be approved at the October 8 meeting.
The video below shows Spease deconstructing city council pay, benefits, and official duties.
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3 comments
I remember when EGN called out newly-elected Spease to not be a "potted plant". Just say something, anything, EGN urged. Well, I am proud to see that Spease has grown into a full-sized cactus plant, with thorns like daggers, calling out our so-called leaders on their BS! Keep up the good work Mr. Spease. Your legacy will be built on truths, not social media selfies.
History will be kind to. Councilman Spease. Our city finally has an elected official that places the citizen’s and the city’s best interests above his own political best interests. Honesty, integrity and humility aren’t flashy, they are admirable. Everyone on this council could learn a lot about leadership from him. Thank you, Kevin. I’ll send you a Christmas card and I’ll buy you a coffee, anytime.
Ditto that, Steve L.
From where I sit, the Mayor and three of the Elk Grove City Council members are there for private gain. By their ludicrous rationale, along with outright deception trying to justify the outrageous pay raise, only one, Kevin Spease, is there for the public interest.
The Mayor and Elk Grove City Council are elected to serve their constituents’ interests. They should be committed to their constituents rather than their own wallets.
Bravo, Kevin Spease!
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