Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour's salary would more than quadruple if he accepts the recommendation of a five-person commission charged with setting his pay rate.
The commission voted 3-2 Tuesday to endorse a recommendation that the mayor earn $43,200 a year instead of $9,600.
Last week, the commission unanimously recommended that City Council members should earn $24,000 a year instead of $9,600.
Those recommendations are scheduled to appear before the council at next week's meeting. Council members in May are expected to vote on whether to accept the recommendations or give themselves a lower wage.
The pay commission formed after voters in February passed Measure M, which expanded the mayor's responsibilities and set the stage for council pay raises.
Supporters of higher salaries for elected officials argue that better pay would attract a more diverse mix of candidates by enabling more working people to run for office.
Commission members Dave Thomas and Rick Dahlseid voted against raising the mayor's pay to $43,200 for different reasons.
Thomas, a member of the Stanislaus Taxpayers Association, wanted to recommend a wage of about $36,000; Dahlseid, chief financial officer for Commu-nity Hospice, favored a higher salary.
The recommendation passed with support from retired Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Hugh Rose III, county League of Women Voters President Ellen Meyer and mobile home owner advocate Ray Newman.
Bee staff writer Adam Ashton can be reached at aashton@modbee.com or 578-2366.
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