A comparison of municipal salaries in the Lower Hudson Valley with municipal salaries across the state showing that several local communities, including Yonkers and Clarkstown, are at the top of the salary heap, had readers fired up about the salaries and benefits for municipal employees, especially police officers.
The report was compiled by the Empire Center for New York State Policy and was based in part on salary databases published by The Journal News and LoHud.com. Read the story and then tell us what you think.
Here’s one reader’s take on the payroll:

This is sheer insanity at the taxpayers’ expense. Of course, we allowed it to happen.

It’s really a disgrace, plain and simple.

This doesn’t even address the cost of the benefit packages that these folks have. The health benefit plans they have compared to the rest of us, again borne by the taxpayer, are some of the best in the country. No one questions the quality of work they do, but please don’t try to say they are doing it for altruistic purposes.

Everyone complains about teacher, police and fire salaries. These are society’s saviors. i don’t hear anyone complain how much money Kanye West or Alex Rodriguez make. What do they do?

Who decides how much is too much? There is no salary cap in place, so if the opportunity to make extra money is there why not take it? Sounds like some people are not happy with their jobs. Take the test the next time it comes up and maybe if you score well you can stop complaining.

Good timing. On election day get rid of the town board incumbents. Send the message that we’re not going to take it anymore.