SJ City Councilmembers Consider Cutting Salaries Monday, June 8, 2009 By CBS5/KCBS News SAN JOSE (CBS 5 / KCBS) ―The San Jose City Council is expected to vote this week on a controversial proposal to trim councilmember salaries, in an effort to help alleviate a more than $70 million budget gap in the city's coffers. City Councilmembers are being asked to reduce their own pay by 3.75% and drop their monthly car allowance from $600 to $350. "It's the right thing to do," explained councilman Pete Constant, who brought forth the pay cut proposal, which he said would set an example for city employee unions being asked to forgo raises in light of the budget crisis. "In time of need, we're asking everybody, not only within our organization but throughout the city of San Jose to make sacrifices, whether it be in services or pay. It would be hypocritical if we don't share the pain as well." The current salary for San Jose councilmembers is $90,000 annually. An independent panel has recommended that the City Council maintain its existing pay.