Laguna Beach City Manager Granted Pay Raise

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — At a recent city council meeting, councilmembers voted 3-2 to grant Laguna Beach city manager John Pietig a 2.5-percent pay raise for the last two years of his contract.

On June 18, the council met and discussed city expenses for the next two years, and a budget of $103.6 million, a hefty 7-percent higher than last year's approved budget. The city council is looking to add even more to that over the 2020-21 budget year.

Initially, a 5-percent pay raise was discussed for Pietig, in what council member Peter Black said in subcommittee "exceptional performance pay."

Residents who discussed their opinions at the meeting suggested that some of Pietig's work has "created a toxic work environment" in the city, among workers, the OC Register reported.

According to mayor Bob Whalen, Pietig has "gone above and beyond" what he has witnessed "in other locations."

Blake added that the raise would "motivate" Pietig with the additional work in the coming years.

Pietig has worked in local government for over 25 years and live's in Laguna Beach with his family. He is contracted with the City of Laguna Beach until June 30, 2021.