East Bay Fire Chief Says $380,000 In Salary, Benefits Is 'Outrageous,' Wants Department Eliminated
HERCULES (KPIX 5) -- Chief Charles Hanley of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District made about $177,000 a year in salary. But including retirement benefits, his total compensation comes out to roughly $380,000.
By comparison, that's more than the fire chiefs in San Jose and Livermore, but less than San Francisco's.
Critics argue inflated pay packages are one reason cities like Hercules struggle financially. "It's wrong. In my book, just wrong," said RHFD boardmember-elect Ernie Wheeler.
Last month, the district gave Hanley an $8,000 raise. "The board gave away our money," Wheeler said.
In an interview with KPIX 5, even the chief himself admits the total cost of his employment is outrageous.
"People should be angry, they should be upset, and they should ask questions," Hanley said.
But the chief blames it on the retirement costs, his alone cost taxpayers close to $130,000.
"It's just way too expensive," he said.
When asked if he would take a pay cut, he suggested another solution. "A pay cut doesn't solve the problem. As a matter of fact, my recommendation was to eliminate the fire chief and the administration altogether," Hanley said.
That's right, the chief said he and other bosses should get fired, and contract out fire service for Rodeo and Hercules.
The department has 21 firefighters.