Controller's Office Reveals 2011 Public Worker Salaries Near $250K

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Local city employees are making some astonishing salaries. Police officers, firefighters, and a city manager are all making more than a quarter of a million dollars a year.

The list from the California State Controller's Office looked at 2011 salaries from some of the state's heaviest hitters.

Cash-strapped Stockton paid out nearly half a million dollars last year. A good chunk of that was for a lump sum payout for retirement of more than $290,000.

And that is just one example.

From police to firefighters, the salaries were sky high for some throughout the region.

A Manteca battalion chief was making more than $250,000 in 2011. Over $100,000 of that was from unused sick and vacation time.

The Citrus Heights city manager made more than $270,000.

"Clearly California is the land of milk and honey as far as public employees go," said Jon Coupal.

Coupal with Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association says public pay is just too high.

"We have the highest paid public employees in the nation. We far outstrip New York City, Washington D.C.," he said.

In Lincoln it was no different with the fire chief pulling in more than $200,000.

One patrol officer in Sacramento had a good year, taking in nearly $280,000.

"I don't think it's right. I think that, you know, there is people out there who are poor," said Dorina Love.

"Two hundred thousand does seem pretty high, but considering they're experience, I'd say they're worth it," said another Sacramento citizen.

Roseville fire captains do have a lot of responsibility, but also overtime. Ninety-two thousand dollars of it was part of a large salary there.

At city hall a staff aid made more than $200,000; half of that was cashed out sick and vacation time for retirement.

"Yes they should be well paid," said Coupal. "We are looking at a level that cannot be justified in the larger scheme of things."