Council declines to raise its pay after public criticism; substitute motion to retain current salary passes unanimously

Lake Forest — On July 7 the City Council considered staff‑drafted options to adjust councilmember compensation using statutory formulas. Staff described two available paths: (1) a 5% per eligible year formula (up to 18 eligible years since the last raise) and (2) a CPI-based calculation (about 4.97% since 2024). Staff noted the maximum permitted by method 1 could nearly double the monthly pay if the full 18‑year multiplier were applied.

Public online commenters criticized any large increase and urged the council not to ‘‘give yourselves a huge pay raise’’ without voter input. Council discussion ranged from the symbolic and volunteer nature of the role to the argument that modest recognition could be appropriate; one councilmember argued a modest increase would be an appreciation for time spent, while others said the position is public service and increases were unnecessary.

A substitute motion to keep the current compensation level carried unanimously. Counsel observed state law prevents any change in council compensation from taking effect until at least one member commences a new term, so any adopted increase would not apply immediately to sitting members in this council term.