Folsom City Council Votes to Triple Members' Pay

The decision has sparked controversy among Folsom residents.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:03am

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The Folsom City Council voted 3-2 to approve an ordinance that would triple the monthly pay for council members from $600 to $1,900 after the next election cycle. The move has stirred up controversy in the community, with some residents arguing it's an unnecessary expense during a time of budget shortfalls, while the mayor says it's about making the position more accessible to those who couldn't otherwise afford to serve.

Why it matters

The pay increase has divided the Folsom community, with some residents feeling it erodes trust in local government. The decision comes as the city has faced budget challenges, leading to cuts like taking a fire truck out of service. The debate centers on whether higher pay will attract more qualified candidates or if it's simply an unnecessary expense.

The details

The ordinance was approved by a 3-2 vote of the Folsom City Council, with council members Barbara Leary and Elisha Kampsen voting against it. The pay would increase from $600 to $1,900 per month after the next election cycle, costing the city an additional $75,000 per year. Supporters argue it will make the position more accessible, while critics say it's the wrong move during budget shortfalls.

  • The Folsom City Council voted on the ordinance on March 27, 2026.
  • There will be a second vote on the ordinance at the next council meeting on April 14, 2026.
  • The pay increase would not go into effect until after the next election cycle.

The players

Barbara Leary

A Folsom City Council member who voted against the pay increase, arguing it is an unnecessary expense during budget shortfalls.

Justin Raithel

The mayor of Folsom, who supports the pay increase as a way to make the council position more accessible to those who couldn't otherwise afford to serve.

Elisha Kampsen

A Folsom resident who opposes the pay increase, saying the higher compensation won't make the position accessible to her since she would still need to keep her current job.

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What they’re saying

“Extending an additional cost to the city by increasing our salaries does not sit well with me.”

— Barbara Leary, Folsom City Council member

“It does really, hopefully, open that door to where if you are passionate about Folsom and you're passionate about public service, then you could maybe have that opportunity, with this slightly higher compensation, in order to be able to participate and run for office.”

— Justin Raithel, Folsom Mayor

“Someone like me who would love to serve on the board, it's $22,000 a year, I'm still not going to be able to quit my job to do that position. For me, I would do it because it's public service. I wouldn't be doing it for the money.”

— Elisha Kampsen, Folsom resident

What’s next

The Folsom City Council will hold a second vote on the pay increase ordinance at their next meeting on April 14, 2026, where changes could still be made before potential adoption.

The takeaway

The Folsom City Council's decision to triple members' pay has deeply divided the community, with some residents feeling it erodes trust in local government, especially during a time of budget challenges. The debate highlights the tension between making public service roles more accessible and the optics of raising elected officials' salaries.