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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Councilor, YDI Exec in Salary Tussle
By Dan McKay
Of the Journal
Social service work is paying off for at least one local executive.
Chris Baca, executive director of the nonprofit Youth Development Inc., makes about $272,000 a year, according to testimony this week before the City Council's Finance Committee. And that's without fringe benefits included.
The question came up Monday as Councilor Michael Cadigan questioned YDI about the effectiveness of its social service programs. In the back-and-forth between Cadigan and Baca, Baca disclosed that he makes $272,000 a year.
He then asked Cadigan to disclose his salary. Cadigan, a commercial litigation lawyer, said only that it's less than what Baca makes.
In addition to the $272,000 salary, Baca has received fringe benefits that push his compensation above $300,000, according to a spreadsheet provided by the council. His pay appears to come from more than one group, including YDI itself and a separate organization created by YDI, YES Housing Inc.
The exchange was part of a broad debate over YDI's contracts with the city. Cadigan sought, but failed, to reduce how much the city pays the group.
At least 100 supporters of YDI, including teenagers and former gang members, packed the council chambers for the meeting. They said Baca does a great job and that YDI's programs are changing the lives of youngsters for the better. They cheered as Baca addressed the council.
Sales activity down
The city is facing more daunting economic news. The sales activity that produces gross receipts tax revenue was down a whopping 11 percent in November, compared with the previous November.
City executives don't know yet, of course, whether it was just a one-month blip or a new trend that will continue when December's numbers are available. Anna Lamberson, Albuquerque's chief financial officer, cautioned that monthly gross receipts numbers often bounce around.
Proposal withdrawn
Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz withdrew a proposal to rename the South Valley Economic Development Center after Steve Gallegos, a former county commissioner and city councilor. He withdrew the proposal Tuesday, saying Gallegos didn't want the honor. De La Cruz said it was an example of Gallegos' humility, and he was honored instead with a proclamation.
Tougher times ahead
More tough times might be on the way. A new police union contract includes pay raises for next year at the same time city revenue is dwindling. That could mean "we're going to have to make real cuts" in other spending, Lamberson said.
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