Council introduces 2026 salary ordinances; some elected officials decline 2% raise after public criticism
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Summary
On first reading the council introduced ordinances to set salaries for the mayor, city clerk and council members for 2026. Mayor Mary Deutsch and the city clerk declined the 2% increase; several council members signaled they would follow. Public commenters called raises poor optics amid rising violent crime and budget pressure.
The council introduced multiple salary ordinances on first reading for 2026—including the mayor’s salary, the city clerk’s salary and common council member compensation—and faced immediate public comment and internal pushback over proposed 2% increases.
The mayor’s ordinance states that Mayor Mary Deutsch requested her 2026 salary remain the same as 2025. The city clerk’s ordinance notes the clerk declined a 2% increase. A separate ordinance proposes a 2% increase for council members; during the meeting Doctor Cynthia Cora moved that the council consider declining the 2% increase for council members in parity with the mayor and clerk. Attorney Joel Harris advised that any amendment should be drafted in writing and ready for a later reading; council members said an amendment could be prepared for the next meeting.
Public commenters criticized raises as poor optics. Tom Donning said murders are up and suggested a 66% pay cut; other commenters said executive pay increases should be avoided while front‑line employees and the city face budget pressure. Supporters of employee raises said city workers deserve raises and noted the overall budget includes employee compensation and standardized pay ranges.
The salary and wages ordinance (substitution) was moved by Mister Beatri and seconded; the motion to substitute passed with seven in favor and one abstention. All the salary ordinances were held over to a second reading so council may consider amendments.
Why it matters: Salary ordinances determine elected and appointed compensation and carry political implications during budget stress and high‑profile public safety concerns. The council directed staff and the city attorney to prepare formal amendment language for future consideration.
Details and next steps: The controller and city attorney will draft amendment language to reflect council decisions (for example, to decline the proposed 2% increase for certain offices) and return the ordinances for additional readings and a formal vote.