Saturday, May 14, 2011

Martinez officials: Council compensation lower than grand jury reported

By Lisa P. White
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/13/2011 10:55:57 AM PDT
Updated: 05/13/2011 04:38:38 PM PDT

Martinez spent less on its city council than a recent grand jury report indicated, because salary and benefits information for the city clerk and treasurer were included in the tab, according to the city.

The report identified Martinez as spending $131,326 in total compensation. The grand jury asked for compensation provided to elected officials, so Martinez reported the data for the five council members plus the part-time clerk and treasurer, Assistant City Manager Alan Shear said.

The revised figures show Martinez paid the council members a total of $35,100 and spent $50,881 on their health insurance. The city spent a total of $20,535 on health insurance for the clerk and treasurer.

Adding in pension, Social Security and Medicare contributions and other costs for the council -- including life insurance payments of $95 for each member -- Martinez spent a total of about $97,945 on the council in the 12-month period ending in June 2010, according to the city.

The grand jury report showed that Martinez spent the most of any city on council members' health insurance and ranked third in total compensation after Richmond and San Ramon. The revised figures place Martinez third in health insurance costs and seventh in total spending, according to the data in the grand jury report.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_18057924?source=rss&nclick_check=1

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