Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Should city council get paid more?

The is one question you will decide on in the upcoming April election.

Earlier this year, council members voted five to four to put the council compensation measure on the ballot.

The item was proposed by a community group.

If approved by voters, the ordinance would amend the city charter to increase council's annual compensation from $6,250 to $48,000, and would make its members eligible for employee benefits.

Even though it sounds appealing, not all of council's members are in favor of the increase.

"I voted against it, and have been very vocal about voting against it," Angela Dougan, Councilmember for District 2, said. "I feel that this a pay raise for council, so council should not have their hands anywhere near it, not even referring it."

Dougan said if the proposal is truly a citizen effort, then the citizens need to petition the government and collect signatures.

"The people who brought it forward really did not have a great business plan, they really could not explain how they came up with $48,000," she said.

Meanwhile those in favor said city council is a full-time job, and member's compensation should reflect that.

"I generally have meetings everyday, all week, board meetings, task force meetings or citizen group meetings." Brandy Williams, Councilmember At-Large, said. "There are also events that council attends on the weekends and evenings."

"If a councilmember is not putting in at least 40 hours of work a week, they are not doing their job," Lisa Czelatdko, Councilmember for District 3, said. "Council is and should be a fairly compensated full time job, it is too important."

Meanwhile others have argued the low pay does not allow for young people to run for office.

"I disagree with that, my husband is a police officer and he makes sacrifices and works double hard to allow me to do this because I love this city," Dougan said. "It is a service, and it has to be a service."

Mayor Steve Bach meantime said he is in favor of change, as long as it is done right.

"We need to have comprehensive discussions on charter amendments, and not only this one, but others that would help our city government run better and compensation is part of that," Bach said. "But also roles and responsibilities, reinventing the way city council operates."

If approved the compensation increase would not kick in until April 2015.

In total it would increase city council's combined salary from $56,250 to $386,668 with benefits.

The costs are to be split equally between the city and Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU).

Currently the city recaptures 50% of council compensation through a cost allocation program with CSU.