Hermosa Beach Council Declines Pay Raise -- For Now

HERMOSA BEACH, CA -- The Hermosa Beach City Council voted not to raise its pay last week citing ongoing labor negotiations and public's perception, according to the Beach Reporter.

In a 4-1 vote, the council voted to table the discussion until the negotiations with the city's employee unions are finished. Last June, the Council was in favor of the raise during budget discussions but most changed their tune Tuesday, according to the Beach Reporter.

Councilwoman Stacey Armato was among those who changed their votes.

“I think the timing couldn't be worse,” Armato told the Beach Reporter. “We've been in union negotiations with our staff for months on a pay increase they were supposed to receive in July of last year.”

Some council members were concerned that without the pay raises, it would discourage people who are interested in serving on the council from running for public office, according to the Beach Reporter.

For more on this story, visit the Beach Reporter.

-- Photo via Shutterstock