Columbus City Council members last night without comment approved pay raises for themselves as well as the city attorney, city auditor and mayor. The legislation boosts their salaries by three-percent in 2016. That means council members will make 55 thousand dollars a year, the city attorney and auditor will make 177 thousand 500 dollars a year, and the mayor will make 192 thousand dollars a year. Officials say the increases are in line with those given to Columbus police officers and firefighters, but less than the five-percent raises the elected leaders will get in 2014 and 2015. Council also voted to amend a tax incentive agreement with Cassady Gateway Partners and Mid Ohio Oncology/Hematology incorporated. Columbus Development Director Steve Schoeny says the company failed to create the jobs required under the agreement.
Schoeny says in 2006, Cassady Gateway Partners and Mid Ohio Oncology/Hematology got a ten year, 50 percent tax abatement to create 80 new jobs.