Local News in Brief : Torrance Officials Get Raises

An immediate 4.2% cost-of-living raise for city officials and department heads in Torrance has been unanimously approved by the City Council.

The pay raise for the city manager, attorney, clerk, treasurer and other management employees was based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for the Los Angeles area during the past year.

The raise was approved late Tuesday night after a lengthy, closed-door executive session devoted to interviewing six candidates to replace longtime City Atty. Stanley Remelmeyer, who is retiring in November. All of those interviewed practice law in California.

Mayor Katy Geissert said a consultant hired by the city has been looking for a lawyer who has extensive experience in municipal government, especially matters concerning land use, planning, civil service and redevelopment.

The raise puts the pay of Remelmeyer, who has 32 years on the job, at $129,780 annually plus a 10% benefit package.

After the increase, City Manager LeRoy Jackson will be paid $95,880 plus the benefit package.

Torrance City Council members will continue to be paid $100 a month. They also receive up to $250 a month for expenses while on city business and a monthly auto allowance of $310, plus partial reimbursement for auto liability insurance.