JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News has investigated the salaries of top members of Mayor Lenny Curry's new team.
The staff he brought in comes with experience from previous administrations. However, that comes with a cost. The city has a new man leading Jacksonville, and he brought in a new team to help him do it.
We uncovered the highest salary being paid is $300,000 to Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa. You may remember his name from the John Delaney administration.
Other Curry top staffer worked under previous mayors too. Chief of Staff Kerrie Stewart is paid $190,000. Director of Finance Mike Weinstein is paid $157,000. Director of Community Affairs Charles Moreland is paid $135,000.
We took those salaries and compared them to San Francisco and Indianapolis, which are also consolidated cities with similar population sizes.
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The chief administrative officer in San Francisco can earn up to $275,000. Indianapolis says its mayor fills that role, and the office pays $90,000.
While Jacksonville's chief of staff makes $190,000, San Francisco pays a maximum of $158,000 and Indianapolis pays $119,000.
The man behind the budget in Jacksonville is also paid more at $157,000. San Francisco's controller is up to $275,000 and Indianapolis pays $115,000.
"We're paying market rates and getting talented people," said Curry Spokesman Bill Spann.
Curry wasn't available for an interview, but his Director of Public Affairs Bill Spann tells us they have also cut positions.
"We have no deputies as compared to the other cities," Spann said. "Mayor Curry made a commitment to reducing his staff by 10 percent."
Spann said the city needs experienced people back in City Hall.
"It was critically important," said Spann. "It tells taxpayers they'll get a solid return on their investment."
Curry is set to have his budget out next week.
WJAX
