ORANGE BEACH, Alabama — Councilwoman Pattisue Simpson, and the other members of the City Council, have received mandated cost of living raises for the past four years.

But, Simpson says, she can’t understand why the council members get a mandated cost of living raise, while city employees haven’t had a raise since 2007.

“We just passed our fourth budget since we’ve been elected, and each budget year it’s mentioned that the council gets an automatic cost of living adjustment based on an ordinance passed in February 2008,” Simpson said. “What I’m proposing is that we eliminate section four that automatically gives the 5 percent increase.”

According to city officials, council members currently receive almost $13,000 a year. Mayor Tony Kennon receives just over $30,000 and Mayor Pro-tem Jeff Silvers about $16,500. The date of the last increase was Oct. 1, the beginning of the city’s fiscal year.

“Through the budget process, the last four times it’s always been ‘we don’t have any choice, the previous council voted on that and we cannot not take it because it’s part of the ordinance.’” Simpson said. “Well, I don’t want to go on having to say that and justify getting a cost of living raise when the employees can’t get a cost of living adjustment.”

Councilman Jeff Silvers and Councilwoman Joni Blalock both agreed, but Blalock pointed out the council was setting that standard for the next council, which will be elected later this year.

The ordinance had a first reading at the Jan. 17 meeting and will likely be enacted at the council meeting tonight.