Council approves 5% pay increases, deferred-comp contributions for city manager and assistant city manager

The Mission Viejo City Council on Jan. 27 approved a pair of amendments to top city managers’ employment agreements that the city says align pay closer to comparator agencies.

HR Manager Monique Getz told the council the 2nd amendment for City Manager Elaine Lister includes a 5% salary increase retroactive to July 6, 2025, a recalculation of a previously approved 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective Nov. 22, 2025, and an $8,650 additional contribution to Lister’s 401(a) deferred‑compensation plan to be paid Feb. 6, 2026. Getz said the budget for fiscal year 2025–26 contains funds to cover the changes.

Councilmembers moved and spoke in support, praising Lister’s early performance; the council recorded a unanimous vote to approve the amendment with Mayor Pro Tem Goodell absent.

The council approved a similar 2nd amendment for Jerry (Jeri) Hill, who serves as assistant city manager and director of public services. Getz said the Hill package includes a 5% salary increase retroactive to July 20, 2025, recalculation of the 2% COLA, and a $5,200 additional contribution to his 401(a) plan, with staff estimating a $22,489 increase to Mr. Hill’s total compensation for fiscal year 2025–26. Councilmembers said Mr. Hill has been responsive and instrumental in delivering recent park projects.

Both amendments were presented as routine personnel actions intended to move the city closer to its stated policy of paying employees near the median of comparator agencies. No member of the public spoke on either item before the council’s unanimous approvals.