Committee OKs 43-percent increase in board's expenses
Budget now goes to full Board of Aldermen
But the final step might not be a simple one.
A debate is expected over a proposed 43-percent increase in the amount of money board members receive each month for expenses ranging from mailings to flowers.Members of the aldermanic committee that reviews the budget voted 5-4 on June 12 to keep a measure in the proposed budget allowing an increase in aldermen's monthly expense account payment from $350 to $500. The increase adds $52,200 to the budget that goes into effect July 1.
The Ways and Means Committee then voted unanimously to send the $961 million 2008-09 budget to the full Board of Aldermen for its approval.
Alderman Stephen Conway, D-8th Ward, who chairs the committee, noted that the $350 expense account payment hasn't kept up with inflation since it was set in 1989. Had it kept pace with inflation, it would have been nearly $570.
Conway, who represents parts of the Shaw, Southwest Garden and Tower Grove East neighborhoods said various requests from other aldermen were made, including from committee member Charles Q. Troupe, D-1st Ward, who introduced a bill to increase mileage payments.
Others wanted a boost in the separate monthly 200-stamp allocations.
The expense account increase represents a compromise, Conway said.
He also noted that the budget bill only allocates the money and that aldermen would have to debate a separate bill establishing the increase.
But other committee members argued against a measure that adds more expenses to the city's budget.
"We're on a tough budget cycle. The economy is not doing well. I don't feel I can look my constituents in the eye and say I need a raise," said Alderman Matt Villa, who represents parts of the Patch, Carondelet, Holly Hills and Boulevard Height neighborhoods.
Alderman Fred Wessels, D-13th Ward, said about $2,500 of the $4,200 yearly expense amount goes for printing and mailing a newsletter.
"The current expense allowance is satisfactory and I don't see any reason to raise it," Wessels said.
Troupe called the $150 increase per alderman "conservative" and that "we need to at least give ourselves the resources we need to be effective elected officials."
Villa; Wessels; Alderwoman Jennifer Florida, D-15th Ward; and Alderman Stephen Gregali, D-14th Ward, all voted Thursday to take the money out of the budget.
Voting to keep it in were Conway; Troupe; Alderman Frank Williamson, D-26th Ward; Alderwoman Marlene Davis, D-19th Ward; and Alderwoman April Ford Griffin, D-5th Ward.
The city's Board of Estimate unanimously approved the expense increase, said Mayor Francis Slay, one of the board's three members.
"That number had not been changed as long as I can remember," Slay said of the $350 monthly amount.
The expense money can go for civic and charitable contributions, memberships, miscellaneous office expenses, flowers and gifts, entertaining, lobbying and other business-related activities, personal activities and automobile and travel expenses. Board members who turn in an account of those expenses won't be taxed.
Aldermen can choose to have the money added to their paychecks and not account for it. But then the money is taxed as part of their paychecks.
