A proposal to forego salaries by the members of Warren City Council received a frosty reception.
Mayor Mark Phillips announced his intention to return his salary for serving as mayor to the city as a cost savings as council seeks to overcome a $1 million budget deficit.
"I gave back my salary in 2012," he said, indicating that he planned to in 2013 as well.
Members of council are paid $100 a month while the mayor is paid $150 a month. Collectively, the cost to the city is $9,000.
Phillips said during last week;'s budget session that he was looking for a motion to "not take or give back" some of that money.
The idea was quickly shot down.
"(That) has to be one on an individual basis, not a collective basis," Councilman John Lewis said. "We can't make that decision for each other."
City Manager Nancy Freenock noted that while the pay is listed in the city's home rule charter, members are not obligated to accept it.
"I don't think this is the proper place for a political platform," Lewis added. "You should do that as your conscious bears, not as a political action."
"In the end, it is a great gesture," Councilman Dr. Howard Ferguson noted, but questioned whether it was politically viable. "I don't think this is the place to do it."