Salem City Council approves 3% increase to mayor’s pay after divided debate

The Salem City Council voted 6–5 on March 13 to increase the mayor’s compensation by 3% for fiscal year 2026, with the raise scheduled to take effect in January 2026.

Councilors split over whether the increase is fiscally responsible during a tight budget year and whether the rise should be delayed until broader staffing and pay issues are addressed. Supporters said an incremental adjustment helps keep the position competitive; opponents pointed to other departments with staffing shortages and urged prioritizing lower‑paid employees.

Councilor Stott said the mayor’s salary “has not received an increase since 2019,” and described the biennial review called for in the city ordinance as routine. Councilor Watsonfeld argued the change is important “mathematically,” noting missed cost‑of‑living steps would compound if deferred. Councilor Cohen and Councilor Davis spoke against the increase, with Davis emphasizing concern for lower‑paid city workers who also need cost‑of‑living adjustments.

The council’s administration and finance committee had recommended the 3% increase after reviewing compensation comparisons and city cost‑of‑living adjustments; staff said the 3% figure aligns with the COLA negotiated for union contracts in fiscal 2025. The ordinance under which the council acts schedules salary reviews during the first three months of the council’s biennial organization; this vote implements the committee’s recommendation.

The roll call on the council floor recorded six votes in favor and five opposed. The council’s president noted that, by ordinance design, pay changes approved in this cycle take effect after the next election cycle (the increase therefore applies beginning January 2026, not immediately).