Council pay cut to buy police officer

ELECTED officials in the Isère town of La Tour du Pin have agreed to cut 30% from their monthly allowances - to pay for a police officer.

New mayor Fabien Rajon, who was voted into office by the 8,000 inhabitants of the town in March’s elections, has reduced his own compensation by 40%, from €2,048 to €1,100 per month.

He said: “This is to show that in times of crisis, politicians can and should make an effort for their fellow citizens.”

He said that the savings, which amount to about €200,000 over six years, would “virtually finance the hiring” of a new municipal police officer.

Last week, the city council of Grenoble decided to cut compensation to city officials by 25%. Mayor Eric Piolle’s compensation reduced from €5,512 to €4,219 per month. This measure should save “nearly €300,000 per year," according to city officials.

In contrast, Philippe de La Grange, the Front National mayor of Luc, in the Var, and his officials have voted in a 15% increase in their allowances. He described the rise as “more symbolic than financial”.

Photo: Jean-Louis Zimmerman