Tallahassee Considers Major Pay Raise for City Treasurer-Clerk

City officials discussing salary increases during a commission meeting

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News Summary

The Tallahassee City Commission is set to vote on a proposed 20% pay increase for City Treasurer-Clerk Jim Cooke, which would elevate his salary from $191,250 to $229,500. Cooke has held his position since 2012, and the raise is designed to promote internal equity among city executives. This decision comes amid discussions about compensation fairness, particularly as several other city officials have received significant raises in recent years. The upcoming vote has sparked community interest and highlights broader issues of salary equity within local governance.

Tallahassee – The Tallahassee City Commission is preparing to vote on a proposed 20% pay raise for City Treasurer-Clerk Jim Cooke during their meeting scheduled for May 14. If approved, Cooke’s salary would rise from $191,250 to $229,500, increasing his annual income by nearly $40,000.

Cooke has been serving in his current role since 2012, a position he fills as an appointee of the city commission. His salary increments are based on an existing employment contract, which stipulates that his annual raises should align with those awarded to other general city employees. The city has clarified that this increase in salary will not alter the terms of his benefits, contract, or employment status.

Over the last decade, while several top-level city officials have received significant pay increases, Cooke has not enjoyed the same advantage due to the lack of turnover within his role. This proposed raise aims to establish internal equity among the city’s executive staff. As it stands, City Manager Reese Goad is earning $292,930.72, City Attorney Amy Toman is receiving $239,710.02, and City Inspector General Dennis Sutton earns $177,613.20. Since 2021, Goad has benefited from a 15% pay increase, Toman from a 6.2% increase, and Sutton from a 14.8% increase.

Over the past five years, Cooke has experienced a total salary increase of 14.8%. Should the proposed pay raise be enacted, it will represent an approximate 40% increase since 2021. The adjustment has sparked discussions regarding compensation equity among city employees, a topic often raised leading up to elections.

City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has expressed concerns regarding the pay of individuals in high-ranking government roles, previously criticizing programs perceived as financially beneficial only to those top officials. The city commission’s upcoming decision highlights the complexity surrounding compensation for city executives, especially in an election year when public scrutiny can influence the perspectives of voters and candidates alike.

The context of this decision also reflects broader challenges in city employee compensation structures. The last thorough evaluation of Cooke’s salary occurred when his current contract was established, resulting in limited opportunities for substantial raises relative to his peers. In response to shifts in the pay landscape for city executives, the commission aims to ensure fairness and equity for all employees, specifically at the executive level.

As the May 14 meeting approaches, many in the community are keenly interested in the outcome of the vote. The proposed increase in Cooke’s salary stands to highlight ongoing debates about financial priorities and equity within local governance.