Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission keeps pre-2023 pay levels but debates steeper cut option
Summary
The commission adopted an ordinance that restores mayoral and commissioner pay and expense allowances to pre-2023 levels (with CPI adjustments) rather than setting compensation at $1; members debated a temporary $1 option and agreed to pursue a voter referendum process for future compensation changes.
The Coral Gables City Commission voted May 6 to adopt a compensation ordinance that returns mayor and commissioner pay and travel/expense allowances to the levels in effect at the end of fiscal year 2022-23 (with CPI increases specified in the code), and eliminated a car allowance added in 2023.
Two competing ordinances were on the table: item 3A would reset compensation and expense allowances to the FY2022-23 levels and eliminate the car allowance; item 3B would have set compensation and expense allowances to $1 annually until Oct. 1, 2026, after which they would revert to FY2022-23 levels with CPI adjustments. Deputy City Attorney Stephanie Throckmorton explained the detail of both proposals and said only one ordinance could be adopted.
After debate, the commission voted to adopt 3A. Commissioners who supported 3A cited restoring pre-2023 fiscal practice and returning to compensation levels that were in place when incumbents ran for office. Commissioner Latta and others called the changes a "reset" to restore public trust. Supporters also signaled they would pursue a ballot measure requiring that future commission compensation changes be approved by voters; the sponsor said he would bring back language for a referendum if 3A passed.
Opponents framed the matter differently. Some public commenters and a commissioner argued a temporary symbolic pay cut to $1 would restore public confidence more directly. Commissioner Fernandez supported placing the compensation question on the ballot for residents to decide; he voted in favor of 3A but said he would work on a referendum process.
At roll call the commission recorded Vice Mayor Anderson, Commissioner Fernandez, and Mayor Lago voting yes; the ordinance was adopted. The city attorney and clerk will prepare any required implementing language and the sponsor indicated he would seek a ballot measure requiring voter approval for future compensation changes.
