Serving on the Palm Springs City Council is a so-called part-time job. Most who run say they want to be of public service, be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money and make a difference.

For the most part, it is a thankless job. Each decision is scrutinized, debated and questioned.

Keep in mind that they are rewarded handsomely.

Each member of the Palm Springs City Council earns $2,433 per month, according to the City Clerk’s office. It’s more than some blue-collar workers make in a month working full time.

In addition to their monthly salary, City Council members receive other benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance.

Their monthly health benefits are as follows, according to a Public Records Request filed with the City Clerk’s office:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, a family is awarded up to $1,956 for family
  • For a two-party family, the benefit is up to $1,467
  • A single party is eligible for up to $978

Council members are also reimbursed in accordance with the IRS’ 2017 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 53.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 54 cents for 2016
  • 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 19 cents for 2016
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Meals are paid on a per diem basis of $50 per day, or partial days at $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, and $25 for dinner, according to Terri Milton, executive administrative assistant to the City Clerk.

In addition to the weekly City Council meetings, council members each serve on several boards, including the Homelessness Task Force, Human Rights Commission and the newest board, Ethics, Transparency and Government Reform Task Force.

Council members receive no additional compensation for serving on the various Commissions and Boards.

There are six people vying for two seats on the five-member City Council. They are Judy Deertrack, Glenn Flood, Henry Hampton, Christy Holstege, Lisa Middleton and Robert Stone.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.