1/20/14 - While most Putnam Township officials maintain that everything was done above board in creating a compensation commission, others felt the raises it determined were out of line. A motion was put forth by Trustee Norm Klein at last week's meeting seeking to repeal Ordinance 63 that established a compensation commission. Klein did not agree with the recommendations based on his own analysis and felt they were excessive. By law, a two-thirds majority is required to reject the recommendations, which Klein admitted he overlooked. Klein felt the concept isnât suitable for a small municipality, saying itâs was almost impossible for appointed committee members to not know or have a connection to board members. After noticing other municipalities doing it, the board decided a commission would take the matter of raises and salaries out of their hands but Treasurer Pat Carney says itâs created an even more stressful situation than before, with officials accused of "being sneaky" with the creation of the commission. It's made up of five appointed residents who meet in odd years to review the salaries of board members and elected officials, and make a determination. It delivered recommendations in November and there was a 30 day window in which board members could reject all or part of it. Supervisor Ron Rau made the motion to accept the recommended $500 increase for trustees and $5,200 for elected officials, which passed in 4-3 vote. Rau says after taxes, the raises work out to around $60 a week and said he was also upset by rumors going around, and they were just following the ordinance. In spite of the controversy, the recommended raises will take effect July 1st. (JK)
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