Don Sheridan is the most recent chair of the Design Review Board in Laguna Beach and is in the middle of a two-year stint. For his time, expertise and headaches, he makes $392 a month.
So the question is, is it worth it?
“You don’t do it for money,” he said, chuckling. “This is what we do because we’re nuts.”
In a year-end report to the City Council, Sheridan estimated that his minimum time commitment per month was about 40 hours, but he often doubled that.
“You’ve got to be rich and retired, simple as that,” he said. “You’ve got to have the time and wherewithal. But if you don’t do it, then who’s going to do it? This is the price you pay for living in a free country. You’ve got to give back.”
Planning Commissioner Jorg Dubin agrees that money is not the primary motivator.
“I believe most people who volunteer for these committees are not in it for the money,” he said. “They understand the nature of the work and time commitment. Giving back to the community is an act of free will. Free being the optimum word.”
The amount of money that Laguna gives to people like Sheridan and Dubin for their work is consistent compared to other cities of similar size in Orange County.
Except for Laguna Hills.
Because of generous health benefits its city council members make more than $25,000, far above Laguna Beach’s $11,000 and change, despite the fact that Laguna Hills only has about 30,000 people. It’s the fifth-highest benefactor in the county, even above much larger cities like Costa Mesa, Garden Grove and Fullerton.
But back in Laguna Beach, honestly, the volunteers should get more money, particularly the higher profile committees. Right now, here is a summary of the salary and compensation:
In addition, there are miscellaneous benefits like a cell phone stipend ($80), but overall, the extras don’t amount to much.
The fact is this is hard, mostly thankless work that comes with very high expectations. Residents are often relentless with armchair quarterbacking and criticism. The hours can be brutal, impacting time with family, friends and day jobs.
And when it’s all said and done, when the projects are studied and presented to the powers that be, are the recommendations valued and acted upon?
Well, not always, which is why there is burnout, constant churn and annual pleas for new blood.
Welcome to small-town volunteerism, where idealism can be bittersweet.
