Did Mabton Mayor Over Step Boundaries?

Did Mabton Mayor Over Step Boundaries?

Story Published: Jul 24, 2008 at 7:10 PM PST

By Sade Malloy

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Mabton -- She's overstepped her boundaries that's what some locals are saying now that the police chief got a raise and allegedly while city council was left in the dark.

Mario Martinez, Mabton City Councilman says, "That was surprising we didn't know anything about that and I think that's been going on since the first of July."

Tuesday's city council meeting was an eye opener for Mario and the other Mabton City Council members after Mayor Velva Herrera announced that Mabton Police Chief Robert Perales' salary is going up by more than double.

Betty Carlyle says, "If the council can't trust you and you can't trust the council you're in big trouble."

But the announcements supposedly didn't stop there, city council members tell Action News Chief Perales and the city clerk/treasurer have also now joined a Union.

And council members say they were strategically told after a 60-day appeal process expired.

We asked the Chief about it and he says the situation is getting blown out of proportion.

Chief Perales, Mabton Police Department says, "As far as council more of less didn't have any authority in appealing the issue."

Chief Perales says he's getting a pay increase from under $2,000 to $4,000 a month because his hours are doubling and going from part time to full time.

While the city's police officers take their compensated time off for working overtime.

We tried talking to the the Mabton Mayor but never got a call back.

Sade Malloy, Action News says,"What do you think is going to happen with all this?"
Betty Carlyle says, "Boy I don't know I hope they get it settled 'cause it seems like Mabton is negatively in the paper a lot."

After this week's meeting some city council members think it's time for the Mayor to go.

Mario Martinez, Mabton City Councilman says, "Now I think it's basically time for her to resign so that we can clean up the mess."

The city attorney is looking into the legality of the police chief and city clerk/treasurer joining a union.

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