WBRZ - Baton Rouge

GONZALES - Ascension Parish Council members have taken the first step toward giving themselves a 33 percent pay increase, boosting their pre-tax salaries from $1,200 to $1,600 per month.

The council introduced the increase on a 7-3 vote Thursday. The proposal will be set for a public hearing and possible final vote at a future council meeting.

Councilwoman Teri Casso provided a copy of a pledge signed by six of 11 council members, including herself, saying they would donate their first year's increase - $3,500 - to a charity or nonprofit organization of their choice.