The Legislative Operating Budget bill just passed out by the committee with a couple of amendments. Among them is a $45,000 increase to the contingency allowance — from $151,400 to $196,400 total. After removing $20,000 for “general protocol” and $1,800 for council inauguration, that would give each member $19,400 to spend, up from $14,400.

The bill now heads back to the full council for second reading, potentially at the April 25 meeting. After that, it’ll come back to committee.

Stanley Chang asked for the bump because members need more money “to provide for increased costs for Councilmembers’ expenses, which include increased costs in: community outreach (printing and postage); conference attendence (sic) and registration fees; protocol items (leis and gifts of aloha); and, travel and mileage expenses.”

I’ve been digging into council members’ expenditure reports — what are they spending this money on, and why do they need more? — and hope to have a story together at some point soon.