SPRINGFIELD — An attempt to end the often uncomfortable and controversial practice of having city councilors having to adopt pay raises for themselves and other elected officials failed in a close vote Monday night.
The proposal called for an end to the long-standing practice of having the City Council propose and adopt raises for the mayor, School Committee and themselves and instead create an annual system to grant annual cost-of-living increases.
“What this is seeking to do is to put an end to the discussion by putting a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, which is going to be attached … to the city of Springfield retirement board,” City Councilor Victor Davila said.
