Folsom council members voted to triple their own pay. Here’s what to know

Folsom City Council members on Tuesday approved a 217% salary increase for themselves despite the city having recently closed a roughly $3 million general fund deficit. The 3-2 vote raises council pay to $22,800 a year from $7,200. The raise will take effect in December when winners of the Nov. 3 election are sworn in.

Here are the key takeaways following Tuesday’s final vote:

• A new state law made it possible: Senate Bill 329, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023, increased maximum allowable salaries for council members based on city population. Folsom’s population of about 92,000 allows council members to earn up to $22,800 annually under the law. Previously, council members could only get 5% raises annually.

• The city recently faced a $3 million deficit: Rising pension costs, flat revenue growth and long-term underinvestment in infrastructure drove the shortfall, which the city closed by cutting 20 staff positions and restructuring — pushing the city into the black by just $700,000. The net budget impact of the salary increase is $78,000 annually.

• Mayor Raithel framed the raise as a diversity issue: He said higher pay could attract candidates who aren’t independently wealthy or retired. “I want everybody to be able to run (for office),” Raithel said before the final vote.

• No residents spoke in favor: More than five residents spoke Tuesday night against the increase at the final vote. Resident Shelley Hudson said “such a large increase can appear disconnected from the community’s reality.” No residents made public remarks in favor of the raises during the latest meeting.

• A proposal could send future raises to voters: Charter Review Committee member Justin Hurst proposed requiring voter approval for council salary changes, with annual increases tied to the California Consumer Price Index. The committee meets April 30 and May 4.

• New city manager got pay raise, too: At a meeting last month, council members approved a raise for City Manager Whitemyer, bringing his annual salary to $332,072 from $319,296 — about a 4% increase after roughly 14 months in the role. The council determined during closed session that his first-year performance exceeded expectations.

How Folsom compares

The raises put Folsom in the middle of neighboring cities, according to the city staff report.

Sacramento City Council members, who are considered full time, earn $111,324 a year.

Elk Grove council members earn $30,600 a year.

Citrus Heights council members earn $22,800 a year.

Rocklin council members earn $8,220 a year.

Roseville council members currently earn $7,200 a year, but a measure on the November ballot would bring their salaries up to $30,600 a year.

This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 10:05 AM.