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Hammond council declines pay increases for next mayor and council amid public pushback

Hammond City Council · December 10, 2025

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Summary

Two charter‑committee recommendations to raise the next mayor’s salary to $95,000 and to boost council pay to $1,500/month failed after public commenters criticized timing; the mayor called in to explain the study but council split left both measures defeated.

The Hammond City Council voted down two ordinances on Dec. 9 that would have raised the starting salary for the mayor and the monthly pay for councilmembers effective for the next 2027 term.

City Administrator Charles Barsher said the proposals came from a charter review committee and a paid salary study comparing similar cities. Barsher told the meeting the current mayoral salary is $75,000 and that the committee recommended $95,000; he and the mayor argued the adjustment was needed to remain competitive for qualified candidates and to reflect the City’s complexity.

Residents urged caution. Samuel Hippo and other speakers asked the council to hold off on raises while many residents are on fixed incomes and the city faces other budget pressures. Several council members said they did not seek office for pay and that the mayor should appear in person to discuss the item. The mayor called into the meeting and reiterated the item would affect the next elected mayor and the next council, not incumbents.

Final vote tallies: - Mayor salary (final adoption): Yes — Councilman Leon and Councilwoman Gonzales; No — Councilmen Wells, Andrews and Divitario. Ordinance failed. - Council compensation (final adoption): Yes — Leon and Gonzales; No — Wells, Andrews and Divitario. Ordinance failed.

Council members opposing the measures said they feared optics and timing, given recent utility and service rate concerns and budget pressures. Proponents argued the pay had not been adjusted for decades and that department heads now earn more than the mayor in many cases, creating hiring and retention challenges.