TAMPA -- Hillsborough County commissioners should consider a pay cut for themselves and other top officials, Commissioner Kevin Beckner said today.

Because the county is facing a serious revenue shortfall, Beckner said he'd like to see county administrators recommend salary cuts for commissioners and identify other ways to cut spending at the top of county government.

Beckner said a 10 percent pay cut for commissioners should be the starting point for discussions during an April 6 budget hearing.

Commissioners are paid $91,995 a year, though the salary is set by state formula based on population and other factors.

Car allowances and other benefits also should be up for discussion, Beckner said.

"No, it won't solve the budget crisis we have, but it's [about] everybody doing their part. We have to tighten our belts before we can ask other people to tighten theirs," Beckner said.

Last fall, Beckner defeated Commissioner Brian Blair, who made headlines in July 2007 for opposing a pay freeze. At the time, Commissioner Al Higginbotham suggested freezing commissioners' salaries and cutting $200 from their monthly car allowance. Blair spoke against both proposals.

Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

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