The problem is if they worked in the private sector they would be working for organizations that generated revenue and the compensation would be on par with the revenues of the organization.
Public sector jobs, pensions, and entitlements cannot be sustained to a level where tax revenues are sapped away.
If there was strict adherence to the budget then society would be served better. Your oath for taking public office is to serve society, not to compete with the private sector for salary. This is your choice, not your right. Should you make a decent living and a fair salary? Yes.
How many private sector jobs have publicly paid for pensions?
Looking at the city of San Diegos obligations clearly the numbers do not add up. Nor do they for the state.