SAFFORD — The latest iteration of the Safford City Council found itself mired in debate over employee compensation.
The winners of this year’s Safford City Council election took the oath of office at the start of the council’s most recent meeting Dec. 9.
Richard Ortega, who had been serving as interim mayor following the death of Jason Kouts at the beginning of the year, was elected to a full four-year term as mayor.
Brad Hemphill was elected to his second four-year term as a City Council member and Dusti Brantner, who had been appointed to fill the seated vacated by Kouts’ death, was also elected to a four-year term.
Also sworn in was Alma Flores, who won a run-off election in November again Luke Chavez. She takes the seat vacated by Michael Andazola who opted not to run for re-election.
The council was then asked to vote on holiday bonuses for city employees. The initial plan was to award bonuses of up to $500 to all full-time employees, volunteer firefighters and members of the City Council; and $250 to part-time employees.
Brantner and Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez said they don’t believe that City Council members should be included in the bonus package, while Flores said part-timers should get the same amount as the full-time employees.
Councilman Brad Hemphill said he agreed with Flores, but disagreed with Lopez and Brantner.
“I’m generally in favor of anything that would make running for council, or being an employee of the city in any respect, something more appealing,” Hemphill said.
The City Council voted five-to-one to issue a holiday bonus of up to $500 to all employees, City Council members and firefighters, with Brantner voting against.
Councilman Steve McGaughey abstained from the vote, due to being a member of the Safford Volunteer Fire Department.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
