| ITEM #: 15. DATE: 01/26/2026 AI #:3011 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE COMPENSATION FOR THE MAYOR, VICE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Lyman Locket, Human Resources Director |
OTHER PRESENTER(S):
Susan Schmelzer, Council Compensation Committee Chair
SUMMARY
The Council Compensation Committee conducted a review of the compensation provided to elected city officials. As a result of this review, the Council Compensation Committee recommends a salary increase of 5.0% for the Mayor, Vice Mayor and each Councilmember, effective July 1, 2026.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-2504 ACCEPTING THE COUNCIL COMPENSATION COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION AND APPROVE AN ANNUAL COMPENSATION INCREASE OF 5.0% FOR THE MAYOR, VICE MAYOR AND EACH OF THE COUNCILMEMBERS AND PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Lyman Locket, Human Resources Director)
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact of a 5.0% salary increases for the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and each Councilmember (when fully seated) is $5,870.79 annually plus employee related expenses. The table below summarizes the changes by position and in total. If approved by Council the changes will be reflected in the City Manager’s Recommended FY2027 budget.
| FY2026 (current) | FY2027 (proposed) | Change | |
| MAYOR | $33,075.12 | $34,728.88 | $1,653.76 |
| VICE MAYOR | $18,191.42 | $19,100.99 | $909.57 |
| COUNCILMEMBER (5) | $13,229.84 | $13,891.33 | $661.49 |
| TOTAL | $117,415.74 | $123,286.50 | $5,870.79 |
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
In 2018, an ad hoc Citizens Council Compensation Committee proposed raising salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers, suggesting a biennial compensation review. The City Council responded by adopting Ordinance No. 2018-1404, establishing a permanent Citizens Committee for biennial evaluation of compensation for the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers.
On March 9, 2021, voters approved the updated City Charter, which incorporated changes to City Code Section 2-1-5 (Council Compensation). These modifications introduced a permanent Council Compensation Committee.
The Council Compensation Committee convenes every odd year to review Council compensation and may make a recommendation for compensation changes to be effective in even years. On November 27, 2023, the Council Compensation Committee proposed a 5% salary increase for the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and each Councilmember. This recommendation was adopted through Resolution No. 2023-2372, and the 5% salary increases took effect on the pay period effective July 1, 2024.
In accordance with the City Charter, the Council Compensation Committee assembled on November 19 and December 10, 2025, to assess Council compensation in comparison to benchmark survey data and formulate a recommendation for Council compensation.
Pursuant to the City Charter, Council can only adopt or reject the recommendation.
On March 9, 2021, voters approved the updated City Charter, which incorporated changes to City Code Section 2-1-5 (Council Compensation). These modifications introduced a permanent Council Compensation Committee.
The Council Compensation Committee convenes every odd year to review Council compensation and may make a recommendation for compensation changes to be effective in even years. On November 27, 2023, the Council Compensation Committee proposed a 5% salary increase for the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and each Councilmember. This recommendation was adopted through Resolution No. 2023-2372, and the 5% salary increases took effect on the pay period effective July 1, 2024.
In accordance with the City Charter, the Council Compensation Committee assembled on November 19 and December 10, 2025, to assess Council compensation in comparison to benchmark survey data and formulate a recommendation for Council compensation.
Pursuant to the City Charter, Council can only adopt or reject the recommendation.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The Council Compensation Committee reviewed survey data that compared Goodyear to 11 benchmark cities in the Phoenix metro area. According to these benchmarks, the Mayor's compensation is at 56.7% of the market average, the Vice Mayor's at 56.5%, and Councilmembers' at 37.1%. Considering the existing compensation, the dedication invested in their roles, and data from similar cities in Arizona, the Council Compensation Committee proposes a 5.0% increase for the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and each Councilmember.
The City Charter, approved March 9, 2021, states when the Committee recommends a change in the salaries for elected officials of an amount less than 5.1%, a vote of the electors will not be required.
Resolution No. 2026-2504 is included as Attachment A.
The City Charter, approved March 9, 2021, states when the Committee recommends a change in the salaries for elected officials of an amount less than 5.1%, a vote of the electors will not be required.
Resolution No. 2026-2504 is included as Attachment A.