Comments on: Councilmembers approve compensation

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:30:27 +0000

A small stipend can really help democracy. I could see scenarios where it could help a single parent pay for the extra childcare necessary to attend City events. $500 isn’t going to change anyone’s life but I think it will make public service just a bit more attainable to all citizens. And kudos to the council members who feel they don’t need the extra help and refuse it.

By: billygmoore

billygmoore — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:33:59 +0000

I’m sure “those who can’t afford to run” appreciate the amount per month/hour the Council has allocated itself, given the huge effort that goes into making the meetings and ceremonies and preparing to discuss the issues in the public forum. I hope the Council will do justice to it, now that it is done, and that nobody forgets this is taxable income–even when styled as “reimbursement,” which also requires strict accounting. After all, it has to be reimbursement for something tangibly spent first.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:34:08 +0000

keith, that’s illegal under both state and federal law.

By: Keith Giles

Keith Giles — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:10:46 +0000

How about they pay themselves with campaign contributions?

By: Dani Steel

Dani Steel — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:15:02 +0000

Yea, that’ll happen.

By: Ted Marchut

Ted Marchut — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:18:55 +0000

This compensation is meant to attract those who could not ordinarily afford to serve. One would assume that does not include the mayor or any of the current council members.

It would be nice to see those who do not need the money, donate it to the Hays County Food Bank or some other local charity. That money could do a lot of good for some of the less fortunate residents of San Marcos.