City Council Talks Trash And Pay Raises

Thursday, November 29th 2007, 6:10 pm

By: News On 6

The Tulsa City Council met Thursday evening to discuss some hot topics. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports that pay raises and how often trash should be picked up were supposed to be hot-button topics, but few people came out to voice their opinions.

The council defeated their pay raise by a vote of seven to two. Councilor Jack Henderson supported the raise. He said the $18,500 salary was not enough because of the work and time involved in the job.

"I've been in public service for a long time, and anybody who thinks 18-5 is a lot of money for as much time as we spend on this job, I'm not stupid. There's a name for that," said City Councilor Jack Henderson.

Most city councilors said Tulsa needs to focus on roads and that a raise sends the wrong message.

â€œIt's too much money for a part-time job, especially given the City of Tulsa's financial situation. If we're doing this for the money, I think we're doing it for the wrong reason,â€ said City Councilor Bill Martinson.

Meanwhile, the city of Tulsa will extend a trash pilot program for six more months. The program studies how once-a-week trash collection benefits the city. Some city councilors say their constituents oppose the program.

â€œI've only received one e-mail and no phone calls from people who are in favor of the once of week collection. All the phone calls I've received are in favor of keeping twice a week collection,â€ said City Councilor Rick Wescott.

Residents who want to continue getting their trash twice a week instead of once can opt out.

Watch the video: City Council Hung Up On Trash