San Diego Council Gives Itself a 24 Percent Hike in Pay, Mayor’s Up 29 Percent

The San Diego City Council has voted itself a 24 percent pay raise as well as a 29 percent hike for the mayor.

The council voted 5-3 for the pay hikes on Monday, the same day Mayor Jerry Sanders unveiled a budget that eliminates 130 jobs.

Council member pay would rise from $75,386 a year to $93,485 and the mayor's salary would go from $100,464 to $130,000.

A Sanders aide says the mayor will veto the pay hikes, but the city charter says the council can override the veto simply by sustaining Monday's vote.

Council members favoring the raise say higher pay will attract a better pool of candidates.