Pay hikes for city manager, attorney Pay hikes for city manager, attorney (December 28, 2005)

By Rory Brown

Almanac Staff Writer

In February, the city of Menlo Park will hold a series of community meetings soliciting public comment on how to deal with an expected $2.9 million budget shortfall for the 2006-07 fiscal year.

But before hearing from the public, the City Council on December 13 gave 2.5 percent pay hikes to City Manager David Boesch and City Attorney Bill McClure, retroactive to July 1, 2005.

The council approved the hikes on a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilman Andy Cohen abstaining.

Mr. Boesch's new salary is $163,233 a year. He also got a $2,500 bonus and a two-year contract extension through July 31, 2009.

Mr. McClure's new salary is $103,152 a year.

Councilwoman Lee Duboc called the pay increase "very modest."

Mr. Cohen said his abstention was not a criticism of Mr. Boesch, but with the city facing a large budget shortfall and possible cutbacks in city staff, waiting until February is the "right thing to do."

Mr. Boesch's salary ranks 13th of 15 city managers in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, according to a survey conducted by city staff in July.

Palo Alto City Manager Frank Benest, whose salary is $200,184, is at the top of the list.

With his pay increase, Mr. Boesch now ranks 11th on the list.

Mr. Boesch was last evaluated in February 2004, when he received a 5 percent salary increase.

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