One Peachtree City resident argued Thursday night against a potential raise for Mayor Don Haddix.
Speaking during the public comment portion of the city council meeting, Caren Russell said it didn’t make sense given the state of the city’s economy.
“I cannot see where the mayor can really work side-by-side with employees of the city, and take a raise, and look at you in the face and work with you every day, day in and day out,” Russell said.
Russell noted that while mayor and council work hard, city employees are also working extra hard because of the budget deficit “and are doing more than they used to do, and working longer hours.” She also said the city council members knew budget cuts were in the offing when they ran for office.
Haddix makes $9,000 a year as mayor and has support from fellow council members Doug Sturbaum and Eric Imker for a potential pay raise. Imker previously has said he would support a raise of up to perhaps $15,000.
Council members Vanessa Fleisch and Kim Learnard previously have said they would not support a raise for the mayor’s seat.
Russell in her speech Thursday night said she wanted Haddix to recuse himself from such a vote if it ever took place, though she hopes Imker and Sturbaum reconsider their decision on the matter.
Council did not further discuss the topic after Russell’s brief presentation.
