Mobile mayor said he'll take pay cut

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said he's working hard to balance a budget that has a $14.4 million shortfall.

"Mobile County has the highest unemployment rate of any metropolitan city in Alabama. We don't want to add to that. The only way we can see doing that is by a reduction in pay," said Jones.

Jones said he too will take a pay cut.

"If their salaries are cut by ten percent, then mine will be cut by ten percent," added Jones.

Several city departments such as police, fire, and now sanitation have voiced concerns over the pay cuts.

Mayor Jones said he welcomes any ideas on how to balance the budget without cutting pay.

"I would embrace it," said Jones.

However, Jones said people have to understand there is some money, which has been earmarked for certain things, cannot be used for salaries.