Community group advocates for salary increase for Colorado Springs City Council

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- $6,250 dollars per year. $500 dollars per month. That's how much Colorado Springs City Council members currently get paid for the 40 to 60 hours per week they work serving the city.

Anthony Carlson, with Level Up COS, says it's time for a change.

"What this is about is making sure that everyone, regardless of their individual wealth or work, has an opportunity to serve our city," said Carlson.

Level Up COS says they've been asking residents -- through events and door-knocking -- what they believe city council should do for them and how much council members should get compensated for that work.

Carlson says because of the low pay and rigorous hours of the job, many qualified people simply can't afford to serve our city.

"It's impossible. When it's a full-time job that requires 40 to 60 hours per week, it requires someone to make a choice between earning a living or serving the city," he said. "It disqualifies folks who are working families, still have a mortgage to pay, or are still in school from being able to serve".

Carlson says the majority of current council members are retirees.

Councilmember Andres Pico, a retired Naval flight officer, agrees that it is time to diversify the council.

"The issue is getting more in-depth people into the process. It's a little bit challenging when there's no pay to it," said Pico.

Council President Richard Skorman says the pay increase should come from utilities - as council members also serve on the board for utilities.

Level Up COS says city council members in other cities with similar populations get paid over $30,000 more than Springs council members.