Board approves modest adjustments to two executive salary ranges amid public pushback

San Mateo County's Board of Supervisors voted to amend the master salary resolution to adjust the salary ranges for two executive positions: the county chief financial officer (CFO) and the director of library services.

Interim HR Director Michelle Kuka said an external salary survey and internal comparators justify an 11% adjustment for the CFO position, which she said nets to a 1% increase after rolling an existing 10% differential into base pay. For the director of library services, staff recommended a 10% increase based on scope, including oversight of a $90 million budget and responsibility for 13 libraries and up to 300 extra-help staff.

The proposal drew sustained public comment criticizing any pay increases during a period of economic strain. Multiple Zoom commenters called the increases tone-deaf given concerns about homelessness, inflation and county budget pressures and urged tighter fiduciary discipline and limits on delegated authority.

Board members said they considered both recruitment and retention needs for executive positions and the role of governing boards in approving executive salaries. The board approved the resolution by roll-call vote; staff said the salary adjustments will be absorbed within existing budgets for the library position via its governing board and that rolling the CFO differential into base will align compensation with the evolving scope of responsibilities.

Staff said the library director position oversees a countywide library system and that the adjustment is intended to maintain competitiveness and internal equity for executive-level roles. The board did not change the county's stated delegation rules but asked staff to continue transparency around salary-setting and budget impacts.