The Santa Maria City Council has approved a pay raise for its members, with a narrow vote of 3 in favor and 2 opposed. The raise, which amounts to approximately $350 per month, was supported by Mayor Alice Patino, District 5 council member Gloria Flores, and District 4 council member Maribel Aguilera.

Opposition to the Pay Raise

However, not all council members were in favor of the raise. District 3 council member Gloria Soto expressed opposition to the timing of the pay raise, citing the city’s budget deficit. Interim District 1 councilman Richard Batalla also opposed the raise, stating that he is not serving for financial gain.

Despite the opposition, the pay raise is expected to incentivize and benefit future council members, according to Aguilera. The raise will not benefit Aguilera herself, as her term ends in November and she is running for a seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.