Bob Filner raised the salary of seven employees in the San Diego mayor's office before he resigned last month, it was reported Tuesday.
The raises totaled $86,000 on an annual basis, according to 10News.
While the mayor's office confirmed the pay increases and subsequent adjustments by Interim Mayor Todd Gloria to City News Service, names were not provided.
According to the station, the pay increases were given to Protocol Officer Molly Chase, Press Secretary Lena Lewis, Binational Affairs Director Mario Lopez, former Council Liaison Francisco Estrada and three administrative staffers.
All but Estrada remain employed by the city, but some are in different roles.
Interim Mayor Todd Gloria told the station that he didn't know what prompted Filner to hand out the pay increases.
"I respect the right of each administration to determine the value of its staff members," Gloria said in a statement. "In the past few weeks, I have restructured the staff of the Office of the Mayor to better accomplish the work of the city and to fit within the office budget. The team currently in place joins me in working tirelessly on behalf of San Diegans, and I appreciate their service."
Councilman Scott Sherman told the station the circumstances made the raises "suspicious."
Lewis last month received the biggest raise, from $82,500 to $115,000, 10News reported.. The mayor's office said Gloria reset it at $95,000.
Chase's salary went in August from $50,000 a year to $65,000. Gloria later put her pay at $60,000.
Lopez' salary last month was increased from $70,000 to $85,000, and the interim mayor returned it to the original level.
The pay of the administrative staffers was increased $5,000 each to $35,000, which Gloria maintained. They now work in community outreach.
Estrada no longer draws a city salary.
Gloria's office said there may have been others no longer employed by the city who also received raises.
-City News Service
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