Ruth Oosting: Atwater’s city manager should at least pay for gas

Atwater continues to suffer the effect of its financial past. Two years ago, we came within a whisker of declaring bankruptcy. A fiscal emergency was declared, and it’s been a struggle ever since.

We are down 10 police officers, and with an influx of criminal gang activity in our area additional officers are needed.

City employees continue to give up 10 percent of their pay in an effort to preserve jobs and public works projects are stacked up for lack of funds. City council members receive no compensation and most road maintenance has been put on hold. Everyone at city hall has given back, everyone but a few.

One who hasn’t is our city manager. He receives a whopping compensation package of over $262,000 a year, which includes a special contribution of $71,000 toward his retirement. The city manager’s contract also includes a full-sized car that can be used for both business and private use.

Also included is a city credit card that can be used for any expense related to the car. I ask the city manager to help Atwater by at least paying for his own gas.

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Ruth Oosting: Atwater’s city manager should at least pay for gas."