Bill Links High-Level, Rank-and-File Raises

Proposal Follows Criticism of Automatic Pay Increases for Council, Executive

The Prince George's County Council introduced a bill yesterday that would prevent future councils from receiving pay raises in years when county employees do not get them.

Union leaders and taxpayers have complained about the county's fiscal 2010 budget, effective in July, because it includes a 5.3 percent raise for County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) and the nine council members, even though county employees have been threatened with furloughs, salary freezes and layoffs.

The council apparently has no authority to block those raises. But it can legislate raises for councils elected in 2010 and beyond, meaning it can block salary increases beginning with the fiscal 2012 budget.

"It's the fair thing to do," said council member William A. Campos (D-Hyattsville), one of four council members sponsoring the bill. "If our employees are not getting raises because of tough economic times then neither should we."

Vince Canales, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, said he was dismayed that the council and its legal staff did not come up with a better solution. The union suggested that the county reallocate the money in next year's budget.

"It's ridiculous that they would think that this is a fair fix," Canales said. "People are affected today, and I can't believe that there is nothing they can do to take care of this issue."

Under the county charter, salaries for the executive and council are adjusted annually in December, based on the consumer price index for the Washington region.

With the raises, Johnson will make $183,222, up $9,222 from this year, and council members' basic salary will increase by $3,204, to $100,291, not including additional pay for the chairman and vice chairman.

Council member Eric Olson (D-College Park), a lead sponsor, said he was advised by legal counsel that state law prohibits a sitting council from adjusting its pay.

"I can't do anything about the current situation, other than give my money back voluntarily," Olson said. "But it's not a mandate."

The measure, which has four sponsors, needs five votes for approval.

Council members Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Laurel) and Andrea Harrison (D-Springdale) have signed onto the bill.

Council member Ingrid Turner (D-Bowie) said yesterday that she does not have a position on the legislation but plans to give the raise to charity or return it to the county. Olson said he also plans to give his increase back to the county.

Chairman Marilynn M. Bland (D-Clinton) and council members Camille Exum (D-Seat Pleasant), Tony Knotts (D-Temple Hills) and Samuel H. Dean (D-Mitchellville) did not respond to requests for comment.