The Ceres Planning Commission stopped short on Monday of Gary Condit’s request to have members to forego their $80 monthly stipend with the panel agreeing to set a rate of pay based on attendance.

That change must be approved by the Ceres City Council since the Ceres Municipal Code requires payment of a monthly stipend to commissioners. The code would have to be amended to change that provision.

The city paid out $4,800 in stipends to commissioners in the past two fiscal years.

Condit, who is chairman of the commission, said the city’s financial shortfalls are reason for eliminating pay. He noted that the council approved a budget that will result in a $20,000 surplus.

“This is a total public service, is just about giving back to your community,” said Condit. “These meetings typically last an hour. This one lasted quite an hour and a half. Again, we don’t do this for $80 a month. It’s about giving back to our community and so that’ll be my motion, but commissioners, with all due respect, you vote your conscience. It’s not a personal issue.”

Commissioner Dorie Perez said the stipend not only helps her pay for babysitters while she is at meetings but that payment “gives validity to our work in a way.”

She did believe it was fair to withhold $40 if a meeting is cancelled or if a commissioner was absent.

Supporting the change were Commissioners R.J. Jammu, Dorie Perez and Francisco Mireles while Bob Gobble and Condit voted no.

Condit told the Courier that this item was supposed to include training and travel which has a budget allocation of $3,000 to $4,000.

“It’s my belief, especially given the budgetary issues Ceres is facing, that elected or appointed officials should make tough decisions to adjust their own compensation and budget,” said Condit. “Unfortunately, I did not receive a second to my motion which was to eliminate the Planning Commission stipend all together. This could have saved nearly $5,000 to help the budget shortfall in other areas, such as recreational events and programs.”