Council paid for missed meetings

DOWNTOWN TOLEDO - While searching for unique ways to trim the Toledo's budget, city officials believe creative thinking stops short when it comes to the official's own pocketbook.

Some city council members have been getting paid for meetings they don't attend.

According to the charter, a council member can be excused from a meeting as long as he or she gets it approved by at least two-thirds of the members.

Tuesday evening, Councilman Tom Waniewski said he would give back one percent of his salary after missing a committee meeting.

Usually members are excused if they miss a meeting, but some on the council say that needs to change. Some believe the practice has become assumed, rather than an actual discussion taking place on whether or not a member should be excused.

All 12 Toledo council members make $27,500 annually.

An unexcused missed council meeting can cost a council member two-percent of their salary, or about $550.

(FOX Toledo's Kristi Leigh contributed to this report)