Santa Ana City Council members Tuesday evening approved a 2.5 percent salary increase this fiscal year for its executive management staff, as well as another 2.5 percent increase in July 2016.
The vote was 4-2 in favor of the increases, with Mayor Miguel Pulido and councilwoman Michele Martinez voting no, and councilman David Benavides absent, to approve.
City employees recently received two 2.5 percent salary increases for the 2014-15 and 2016-17 fiscal years, according to a city staff report.
In casting her no vote, Martinez cited 2.5 to 5 percent salary increases given to executive staff for performance that aren’t available to rank-and-file employees.
“I think this is unequitable. This isn’t available to other bargaining units,” Martinez said.
Pulido agreed with Martinez and said the salary increases would contribute to the city’s growing retirement costs.
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