‘This is like comparing grapes to grapefruits’

The Daily Southerner's headlines read on July 29 that "Council gives itself 33 percent raise."

I first thought this was an attempt at humor but further reading convinced me this was reality.

The subsequent article, which I applaud W. Terry Smith for reporting, was informative and every citizen of Tarboro should reflect on its contents. It's not that our Council members shouldn't get a pay raise. They are employees of the town and all employees should get some raise to help offset inflation.I just question how it was handled and the comments that some of our Councilmen made to support it. 

It is reported that Mr Noble budgeted for a 5 percent raise that the Council received effective July 1. They went on to approve the subsequent increase without, what I assume, significant public input. Is this typical of how our town council operates or am I missing something?

Where was this extra money found?

Mr. Jenkins commented, "We've cut every dime we could" in his explanation on how Tarboro had cut its expenses. Was this "found money" cut out of someone else's budget or did the council cut its own internal budget to pay for the raise? Perhaps there's other extra money that could be returned to the taxpayers in the form of a rate cut.

Mr. Alford explains: "We  give above average employees 5 percent so we figured we have been doing a good job, so we gave ourselves 5 percent."

Do the employees who keep our streets clean have the same prerogative? How about the secretary who types the council minutes? Do our policemen, who keep our streets safe, or fireman who serve 24-hour shifts have the ability to give themselves a comparable raise?

Mr. Jenkins mentions council members "must pay for their spouses expenses when they go along on a trip like the ElectriCities's annual meeting ... ." This must be a misquote. I would honestly hope none of our councilmen would receive such reimbursement nor expect it.

The article goes on to mention several councilmen who compare their pay to councilmen in cities such as Greenville, Rocky Mount and Wilson. We don't compare in size, experience their growth nor have their tax base. This is like comparing grapes to grapefruits. You just can't do it.

I love Tarboro and its small town charm. I love its friendliness and how if affords me a welcome break from my job in Raleigh. I applaud the work of our council in their diligence to make Tarboro a better place to work, live and play. Yet, I believe this pay raise is misguided.

Tarboro's hard-working citizens deserve better. Each of you have a wonderful, blessed day.

Bobby Freuler

Tarboro