Some lawmakers complained about cost overruns, and others fumed about the taking of land for private development, but a bill giving raises to Regional Transportation District board members still won initial House approval Friday.
Senate Bill 46 would increase the salaries for RTD’s 15 board members from $3,000 a year to $12,000 a year. But the pay hikes would apply only to those elected in November 2008 and afterward.
Supporters of the pay raises, like Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West, noted that the salaries of board members hadn’t been increased in 26 years.
But some lawmakers said they were peeved about project cost overruns and the agency’s use of eminent domain. RTD is considering building commercial space above one planned parking garage, and the agency used the eminent domain process to acquire land for the site, angering some residents whose homes were in the way.
“I am very concerned that by approving these raises, we are rewarding bad behavior,” said Rep. Gwyn Green, D-Golden.
Rep. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, said increasing the salaries for board members might attract better candidates to the elected positions.
The House gave preliminary approval to the measure on a voice vote, and it must approve it once more before it can go to Gov. Bill Ritter.
