San Bernardino City Council Approves Mayoral Pay Raise
The city council voted 6-1 to increase the annual compensation for the mayor to $95,000.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in City Hall
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The San Bernardino City Council voted 6-1 to raise the mayor's annual base salary to $86,500. Including a $725 monthly car allowance, the mayor's total yearly compensation will reach $95,000.
Why it matters
The mayor requested the increase to address past inequities, arguing the role is a full-time position that prevents outside employment. The approved figure is significantly lower than the $122,000 recommended by the Elected Official Compensation Advisory Commission.
The council approved the increase in a 6-1 vote to set the mayor's base salary at $86,500, a move that ties future pay to the $43,200 annual salary earned by council members. This adjustment replaces the $50,000 salary the position held for four years.
The players
Treasure Ortiz
Treasure Ortiz is a San Bernardino City Councilmember who cast the lone dissenting vote against the mayoral pay increase.
Elected Official Compensation Advisory Commission
The Elected Official Compensation Advisory Commission is a body tasked with providing formal salary recommendations for city officials.
The details
The decision was made during a city council meeting where the measure passed with only Councilmember Treasure Ortiz voting in opposition. The mayor stated the pay raise was necessary to correct a perceived historical injustice to the office.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: City Council voted to approve the pay raise.
December 2026: The new compensation plan takes effect.
Political Context
The opposition to the pay raise centers on concerns regarding the fiscal responsibility of increasing salaries for elected officials. Dissenting voices argue that the approved amount should be measured against other municipal budgetary priorities rather than external advisory recommendations.
The approval of this salary increase marks a change in municipal expenditure for the city of San Bernardino. Residents will see this pay structure reflected in the city's finalized budget once the new compensation plan takes effect this December.
The takeaway
City councils often rely on independent advisory commissions to help balance public service pay with municipal budget realities. Understanding these salary structures provides transparency into how city leadership roles are valued compared to private sector employment.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the San Bernardino City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Bulletin.
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