South El Monte gets a raise

I guess budget issues must not be a grave concern in South El Monte.

While the rest of the country grapples with an economic downturn that’s forced layoffs, company closures and other cost-cutting efforts, the South El Monte City Council has approved a 10 percent raise for itself.

Ben Baeder reports today that the council will now be paid $771 a month instead of $701, or an additional $840 a year per council member.

City officials say South El Monte’s budget is balanced, and the raises take into account annual 5 percent increases dating back to 2007.