Department heads at the City of Washougal notified Mayor Pro-Tem Molly Coston and Mayor-Elect Sean Guard today that they would not be accepting cost of living increases for 2010.

 

Department heads were notified in September by former Mayor Stacee Sellers that she was requesting a 3% cost of living adjustment for all of them in the 2010 Budget.

 

“In light of the current economic climate and the fact that the cost of living in the area has actually decreased slightly, department head staff found it difficult to accept the increases that were proposed for us,” said Joanne Boys, Director of Community Development.

 

As a result of the action, Mayor-Elect Sean Guard also announced that he would voluntarily reduce his pay by the same 3%.

 

“I believe that the decision by the department heads to not accept a cost of living increase is indicative of the quality of individuals the City of Washougal employs.  Given their unselfishness in not accepting a raise, it is only fair that I, as the newly elected head of the city, also give something back.”

 

The total savings to the City of Washougal for 2010 would be approximately $15,000.