Embattled city Comptroller John Liu gave a top deputy a $15,000 pay hike while boosting the salaries of two other chief aides he rewarded with promotions in a bid to keep key staff from jumping ship, The Post has learned.
Liu increased the salary of Deputy Comptroller Simcha Felder to $194,087 from $179,444.
Felder, a former City Council member from Brooklyn, has been the deputy comptroller for accounting and budgeting since Liu took office in 2010.
Meanwhile, a staff exodus amid a federal probe of Liu’s campaign fund-raising has led to elevation and salary boosts for other Liu loyalists, as well as new hires.
First Deputy Ricardo Morales saw his salary hiked to $194,087 from $186,340. Formerly the deputy comptroller for legal affairs, he replaced Eric Eve, who resigned last month, as first deputy.
Valerie Budzik, who was Morales’ No. 2, is now the deputy for legal affairs. Her salary increased to $179,444 from $169,366.
Political insiders said Liu has to do what he can to retain his staff as the unfolding federal probe raises questions about whether he can remain in office or run for another term.
Morale has taken a hit because of the straw-donor scandal that has engulfed Liu and led to federal charges against his campaign treasurer, Jenny Hou, and moneyman Oliver Pan.
“He needs these people to stay on. If they bolt, other people will jump ship,” a source said. “They have him over a barrel. This is why Simcha got a raise. It would look bad if he left. That’s why Simcha is now making nearly $200,000. Are you kidding me?”
Liu’s office announced more musical chairs yesterday, as the comptroller appointed veteran TV journalist Peter Thorne, an anchor and reporter at WPIX, as his new communications director.
Thorne will make $150,000, but Cathy Hanson, outgoing communications director, will remain on the payroll. She’ll take on a new role as adviser to First Deputy Morales and make $145,000.
Liu’s first chief media and governmental strategist, former Deputy Comptroller for Public Affairs Alan Van Capelle, departed last year as the campaign fund-raising scandal heated up. Ari Hoffnung, who has close ties to Felder, now holds that post.
Liu’s spokesman defended the reorganization, pay hikes and promotions.
“These are all related to increased responsibilities and promotions,” Matt Sweeney said.
He added that the promotion of Morales and Budzik justified their salary hikes.