Suttle Gives $75,000 In Raises…Despite Budget Shortfall

Our man Mayor Jim Suttle is at it again:

Richard O’Gara will be taking over as the City’s new director of human resources.  He will be paid $145,000 annually.  The man he is replacing–Tom Marfisi–made $98,000 last year.

Here’s the kicker regarding this move:  Marfisi not only will be keeping a position with the City–he is getting a raise!!  In Tom’s “new” role, he’ll earn $108,000 a year.

I only wish I could get a demotion with less responsibility and receive a $10,000 annual raise.

In other City news, we also have a new City parks director in Melinda Pearson.  At this point, no one should be surprised she received a raise over her predecessor, too:  to the tune of $18,000 annually.

So, in the middle of a budget meltdown–before Snow-My-God 2009 (thanks, Shick & Nick)–we offer THREE people $75,000 more a year than what the City paid these same positions last year?  When we’re trying to get other City employees to take pay cuts and take time off?

We shouldn’t be shocked at this point, but…well, I guess Suttle has topped himself yet again.