Resolution directs city to follow charter

In response Thursday’s letter to the editor (“Effort to expedite raises is misguided”), I might point out that I think it’s the letter writer who is misguided!

Fact No. 1 is that the Everett City Council and mayor do not vote or decide what their salary will be, that is decided by the salary commission and is the process spelled out in the Everett City Charter.

Fact No. 2 is the mayor’s and city council’s employer (the City of Everett) has nothing to say about the mayor’s or council’s salary increases, nor does the city’s Human Resources Department.

The issue brought forward by councilman Mark Olson had nothing to do with salary.

He was asking for clarification as to why the salary commission decision back in April had not been implemented as in previous years (after 90 days) as set forth in the city charter.

The letter writer’s comment that if there is a question about the salary commission language it should have been directed to the city attorney’s office is correct, and it was over four months ago. Numerous contacts to the city attorney’s office where made and as of Jan. 30, a clear response was not forthcoming — hence the motion by councilman Olson to direct the administration to follow the city charter and correct the error.

The majority of the council voted in favor of this action, basing their decision on what the charter calls for regarding salary increases. The 90-day period has been followed previously for council increases and in fact, matches up with what state law mandates.

The letter writer’s comment that going to Human Resources and telling them to pay now for council benefit is off base and shows a lack of fact gathering on her part.

As to the assertion that council’s Jan. 30 resolution financially benefits all who voted yes is again incorrect. The resolution does follow the city charte,r which is what I swore to uphold. Hope this clears up any misconceptions.

Arlan Hatloe

Everett City Councilman