De Blasio slips in last-minute pay raise for City Council

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Ahead of a three day weekend, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday added to the city record a bill that would give the New York City Council a pay raise.

The move is seen as questionable since it wouldn't get much attention over the long holiday weekend. It was also not within the required five calendar day notice for any planned bill signing.

Once signed into law, the legislation will increase council members' pay from $112,000 to $148,500.

It also bans them from having outside jobs, in effect making them full-time city workers.

The raises are $10,000 more than was recommended by a commission advising the mayor on fair pay hike rates.

City Council members have not had a pay raise in a decade.

The bill also includes a pay raise for the mayor, raising Hizzoner's salary to $258,750 from $212,800.

De Blasio, however, has said he would not consider taking a pay increase in his current term.

The mayor's press team says the move was not intended as a way to avoid attention on the matter.

A public opinion period will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at City Hall.